Longtime NJ Firefighter Dies Shortly after Training Drill

A longtime New Jersey volunteer firefighter died last week from a heart attack lfollowing a training exercise.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration, Erskine Lakes Fire Company firefighter John Jonker Sr., 80, had been participating in a drill at the department on Feb. 10. When he returned to his Ringwood home a short time later, he collapsed from an apparent heart attack and was unable to be revived.

Jonker had volunteered with the Erskine Lakes Fire Company for 55 years, according to his obituary. In April 2016, he was honored by the department, as well as local and state officials, for his half-century of service, the first active member of any of Ringwood's three fire companies to achieve such a milestone.

ELFC Lieutenant Scott Conley introduced Jonker as the first firefighter to achieve 50 years as an active member of any of the borough's three fire companies.

"He's a leader to us all and a true fireman. I respect him immensely," Lt. Scott Conley said while introducing Jonker during an April 5, 2016, Ringwood Borough Council meeting, according to the Bergen Record.

He was set to serve as the fire company's vice president in 2021.