WEST MILFORD, N.J. -- On Sunday, Raymond and Wayne Barrett grabbed a hose line, and headed into a house to attack a fire. It's something the father-son volunteer firefighters had done so many times before.
But, it would be the last alarm for Raymond, 62.
The 31-year veteran of the Apshawa Fire Department collapsed of an apparent heart attack. He was rescued from the house, and colleagues performed CPR. But their efforts proved fruitless.
"He was a gung-ho type of guy. He was always there no matter what," said Fire Commissioner Ed Steines.
Barrett served as chief for three years.
His department was placed out of service Sunday night while members deal with their loss. Calls are being handled by other departments in the township.
"They'll remain out until the chief feels they are ready to go," Steines said. "It's been devastating as you can imagine. People are walking around in shock. It's been a rough day."
Funeral Information
Funeral services will be held Friday, March 14 at 10 a.m. at the Echo Lake Baptist Church, 1355 Macopin Road, West Milford, N.J.
Interment will follow at the Brigadier General William C. Doyle NJ Veterans Cemetery in Arneytown, N.J.
