NJ Firefighter Dies 10 Days After Suffering Cardiac Arrest

A longtime New Milford firefighter passed away 10 days after he suffered a cardiac arrest while responding to an emergency.

Frank Matagrano, 75, responded to a call with New Milford firefighters around 11 p.m. on Dec. 13. 

He suffered a cardiac arrest inside the apparatus and crews began to render aid immediately, according to a release from the U.S. Fire Administration. 

After using CPR and deploying an AED, firefighters were able to regain Matagrano's pulse and rushed him to the hospital. 

"It was like a punch in the chest," New Milford Fire Chief Ross Rhein told NorthJersey.com. "He will be greatly missed by the company....The town lost a great asset to this department."

It was determined that Matagrano suffered a stroke, which caused the cardiac arrest, according to the release.

Matagrano passed away at the hospital on Dec. 23.

A wake will be held Friday, Dec. 29 at the Church of the Ascension in New Milford from 2-7 p.m. 

A wake service will be held this Friday from 2 to 7 p.m., at the Church of the Ascension, 256 Azalea Drive, New Milford. A funeral procession will follow to Fire Company 1.