On December 27, 2016 at 0800hrs while preparing to leave the fire station upon completion of his shift which included responses to three emergency incidents, Captain Fred A. Newton, Sr., 66, went out to the station parking lot to start and warm his car. At 0815hrs, as other members of the fire department arrived at the station, they noticed Captain Newton was in his car and had perhaps fallen asleep while the vehicle was still running. When a firefighter went outside and knocked on a window of the vehicle there was no response. He then opened the door and noticed Captain Newton was not breathing. Emergency dispatch was notified and the EMS crew at the station immediately began to render assistance, including ALS procedures, and transported Captain Fred A. Newton, Sr. to the hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
Our condolences to the Newton Family & Friends, Somerset Township Fire Department & EMS, and to all affected by Firefighter/Smokejumper Captain Fred A. Newton, Sr.’s passing.
(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)
