On July 1, 1988, when firefighters of the Hackensack Fire Department arrived on scene of the Ford dealership on River Street in Hackensack, NJ around 3pm, they did not know how deceptive the fire would prove to be. They did not know that five of their fellow firefighters would not be coming home. On the initial alarm, Hackensack firefighters on two engines, one ladder and chief car responded to a reported fire at the Hackensack Ford auto dealership. During fire operations, fire was discovered to be burning above in the truss over the service area and was vented by the truck company on scene. Fire suppression was attempted by both engine companies through two ceiling hatches above the service area. Shortly thereafter, an evacuation order was transmitted over the radio of which were not acknowledged by any of the units working on scene.

Otherwise known as the Hackensack Ford Fire, this fire claimed the lives of five firefighters battling a fire in a bowstring-truss building when the roof suddenly collapsed. Three of the five firefighters lost their lives in the middle of the service area of the dealership. The other two firefighters became trapped in the rear storage room and were unable to be rescued. After approximately 1 hour into the operation, these five firefighter lost their lives and were the first line of duty deaths in the department's 117 year history to that point.

Remember & Honor

Capt. Richard L. Williams (Engine Co. No. 304)

Lt. Richard R. Reinhagen (Engine Co. No. 302)

Firefighter William Krejsa (Engine Co. No. 301)

Firefighter Leonard Radumski (Engine Co. No. 302)

Firefighter Stephen Ennis (Engine Co. No. 308).

34 years later this fire has had significant impact on today's fire service. This fire is one of the most analyzed LODD events in the history of the fire service. Numerous issues were noted from the incident including a breakdown in communications. The findings and observations of this fire are still valid today.

The lessons of this fire has resonated deeply within the fire service across the country. The Hackensack Ford Fire caused the fire service to begin looking at building construction on a more serious level especially when operation in and around truss construction and having the ability to identify construction types and truss. It also highlighted a weak command structure, insufficient and ineffective radio communications along with a lack of portable radios for firefighters and a lack of manpower. These lesson stay true to this day.

In an article published the day after the tragedy, Fire Chief Anthony Aiellos said, “There are only 100 of us in this department, and this is just a small place. In a town like this, these are your friends. These were good men.”