USFA LODD: New Jersey Firefighter On-Duty Death Notification 08.02.2018

On July 30, 2018, Chief Engineer/Firefighter Pasquale "Pepper" DiBenedetto, 68, responded from his home to the firehouse for an activated CO alarm call. An in-station crew and the chief responded to investigate and found it due to a faulty battery.  Chief Engineer/Firefighter DiBenedetto stood-by in-station for additional calls and to place the apparatus back into service.  Upon completion, he then returned home.  The next morning, Engineer/Firefighter DiBenedetto complained that he wasn’t feeling well and had a friend transport him to a local hospital.  He suffered a massive stroke while en route, and required immediate surgery upon arrival.  Life-saving measures were unsuccessful and he passed away in the hospital on August 2, 2018.  

Our condolences to the DiBenedetto Family & Friends, Englishtown Fire Department, and to all affected by Chief Engineer/Firefighter Pasquale "Pepper" DiBenedetto’s passing.  

To date, 59 firefighter fatalities have been reported to USFA in 2018. Year-to-date monthly and annual USFA firefighter fatality reports are posted online at U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) Fatality Notices page.

(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.)