By Ron Jeffers
On the evening of July 1, Hackensack (NJ) city officials, firefighters, families, and friends gathered at the firefighter’s memorial in Fairmont Park for the 27th anniversary of the 1988 auto dealership fire that killed five members of the department (PDF download of the original Fire Engineering report, 4 MB).
On that date, a 60-ton bowstring truss roof collapsed, killing Captain Richard Williams and Firefighters William Krejsa and Leonard Radumski. Lt. Richard Reinhagen and Firefighters Stephen Innis were trapped in a closet and running out of air as they radioed for help and rescuers tried to find them.
As it is every year, the park was filled with blue uniforms from city and area firefighters as well as members if the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), who assembled to pay their respects to the fallen heroes. As the ceremony began, on-duty members of Engine Co. 2 and Rescue Co. 1 left to answer a call (as the beat goes on.) Two wreaths were placed at the base of the five monuments that represent the members killed at the Hackensack Ford dealership fire. One wreath represented those firefighters and another for other deceased members.
This memorial has become a reunion over the years as retired firefighters and friends gather on an evening that many do not need a reminder to attend.
The Hackensack Fire Department now has a Class 1 fire protection grade issued by the Insurance Services Office (ISO). Buildings in New Jersey now possess a triangular sign that indicates truss roof construction.
