UPDATE: ARREST! re: NJ FF LODD This Morning (The Secret List)

 

Hey…

As you know, Elizabeth (NJ) FF Gary Stephens died in the Line of Duty in a horribly tragic accident early this morning when he was run over by his apparatus as it backed up while establishing water. He had 28-years on the EFD. The apparatus (photo on our home page) was being driven by one of FF Stephens’ longtime friends, a 25-year veteran of the EFD.

The apparatus was moving at less than 5 mph when the tragedy occurred under a bridge supporting the New Jersey Turnpike. FF Stephens was directing the vehicle with hand signals as it backed up to lay a line for the structural fires a few blocks away. FF Stephens was hit after he turned to look at the fire. As we can all just attempt to imagine, the driver of the apparatus is “devastated.”

IN THE SLAMMER:

Emilio Vasquez (pictured on our home page), 19, was arrested this afternoon on arson and murder charges after he admitted setting the fire in an effort to keep warm. Vasquez had been living as a squatter there the past five days…there is no bail.

FF Stephens is survived by a wife and brother. His father also was a firefighter in Elizabeth, from 1949 to 1973.

Take Care–BE CAREFUL.

BillyG

The Secret List 1-2-09 / 1645 hours

www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com