By Joe Lizza
On Monday, March 12, 2018 at approximately 7:30 p.m., Hammonton (NJ) Firefighter John Warren Jr., 70, was released home from Bacharach Institute for Rehabilitation after being transferred to the facility on March 2 from Atlanticare Regional Medical Center, Galloway. Warren was receiving treatment and care since being admitted on February 14.
Firefighter Warren and his family received an escort back to the fire station on the White Horse Pike from fellow firefighters of the Hammonton Fire Department with assistance from the Hammonton Police Department. The members of fire department as well as the entire Hammonton community have expressed their joy that John has returned and triumphed when faced with such a serious and significant event.
On Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at approximately 7 p.m., the Hammonton Fire Department and mutual aid companies responded to a reported structure fire on the 200 block of Union Road in Hammonton.
As the first arriving unit was conducting interior fire suppression efforts, John Warren Jr., who was providing water supply assistance to the interior firefighters, suffered a heart attack. Firefighters on the hoseline felt a decrease in water pressure, at which time First Lieutenant Tim Kelly made his way back to the apparatus and observed Firefighter Warren collapse to the ground from mid-mount pump panel. Warren was unconscious and unresponsive.
At that time, other firefighters quickly came together to act as they are trained. These included Chief Sean Macri, Captain of Station #2 Jim Day, and Captain of Station #1 AJ Berenato. First Lieutenant Kelly took over providing water supply and Macri, Day, and Berenato began CPR, until care was transferred to EMTs from Atlanticare. Ryan Finn, a Hammonton dispatcher, also assisted with CPR, relieving Chief Macri so that he could continue to manage the fire scene.
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Firefighter Warren was transported to Atlanticare Mainland in Galloway Township in critical condition.
The concept of a brotherhood/sisterhood is routinely espoused within the fire service, and throughout this challenging event, the strength of the Hammonton Fire Department has shined. Along with his family and friends, members of the Hammonton Fire Department–which includes the Hammonton Volunteer Fire Company (Station 1), and Independent Volunteer Fire Company (Station 2)–have been providing daily visits and encouragement to John.
John is a senior member of the Hammonton Fire Department with more than 40 years of distinguished service. He has served in a variety of department and company leadership positions, currently serving as Treasurer for the Hammonton Independent Volunteer Fire Company, Station 2.
The Hammonton Fire Department once again gratefully acknowledges the support and assistance provided by neighboring first responders as well as the care provided by Atlanticare and Bacharach.
The department is optimistic that John will make a full recovery and continue to serve the Hammonton Fire Department, the Independent Volunteer Fire Company, Station 2, and the Town of Hammonton proudly.
For additional information, please contact Fire Chief Macri at 609-839-0280.
Dr. Joe Lizza is a lieutenant with the Hammonton Fire Department.
