Working in the fire service has never been as easy task for the ones directly involved as well as our family and friends who watch us do this selfless job each day. We take our work with pride and honor and spend numerous hours and days away from family and friends for the sake of helping others in their time of need. At this time we here at the Firehouse Tribune would like to take the time to honor and remember EMT Hinal Patel. 

From all of us here at the Firehouse Tribune we would like send our thoughts, prayers, gratitude and respect to EMT Hinal Patel of Spotswood EMS and with the North Stelton Vol. Fire Company as an EMT, who was killed in the Line of Duty on Saturday, July 25th while responding to a motor vehicle accident in East Brunswick, NJ. May we remember EMT Patel, the Patel family, her EMS partner and all those affected by this tragic loss. 

Although we all are shook by this loss and feel the pain and anguish that is has caused, we should all remember the countless lives EMT Patel has helped throughout her time as an EMT and celebrate the life she lived and the lives she has affect during her time here with us. May we never forget them and may she rest in peace. 

In a statement released by the North Stelton Volunteer Fire Company, Hinal Patel had served since April of 2012, and “Hinal was a very smart, dedicated member of our family and she will be greatly missed. She had many close friends at North Stelton. The members of the North Stelton Volunteer Fire Company are devastated by her loss and extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends and coworkers.”

As her friend and leader, the North Stelton EMS Captain said “On Saturday morning (July 25th) our lives changed forever. We all lost an amazing, bright, beautiful, fantastic and energetic young lady who was surely going to change the world even more than she already had. She will be missed greatly by everyone who knew her, worked with her, and loved her.”
Funeral Services took place Monday July 27th brining in hundreds upon hundreds of family, friends, and first responders from around the state and neighboring states. The United States Honor Flag made its way to New Jersey from Texas to honor her, and The Governor of New Jersey has ordered that all flags be placed at half-staff on Friday July 31st in honor and remembrance of Hinal. 

The EMS Captain said “In tragic times like this, it is nice to know that our brotherhood will always be there to help us through. The amazing outpouring of support from so many people has been incredibly overwhelming and we at North Stelton appreciate it more than anyone will ever know. Hinal was an amazing person who deserved every single minute of what we gave her and then some.”

Until next time; work hard, stay safe and live inspired.  

About the Author

NICHOLAS J. HIGGINS is a firefighter with 14 years of service all within departments in Piscataway, NJ. Nick has held the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain as well as being a township elected District Fire Commissioner for 1 term (3 years) in Piscataway, NJ. He is also a NJ State certified level 2 fire instructor. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Kean University working in Corporate Taxation and is the founder/contributor of the Firehouse Tribune website.