NJ Fire Chief Stricken, Dies After Emergency Response

On Tuesday, Aug. 15, West Milford Township Chief Edward “Eddie” J. Steines responded to a train fire in Hardyston Township.

Steines, 64, returned to his house after all units cleared the scene.

Steines collapsed at his home about 6 a.m. Wednesday from an apparent heart attack, the U.S. Fire Administration reported.

He was transported to Chilton Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 7:30 a.m.

Steines, the fire commissioner, served in the fire service for 44 years.

To date, 51 firefighters have died on duty, USFA statistics show.