Deputy Fire Chief Dies In Line Of Duty In Somerset County

SOUTH BOUND BROOK, NJ — The South Bound Brook community is mourning the death of a borough firefighter who died in the line of duty on Saturday.

"The Borough of South Bound Brook, the South Bound Brook Department of Public Safety, and the South Bound Brook Fire Department with deep sadness and heavy hearts announce the firefighter Line of Duty Death of Deputy Chief Craig M. Konkle," said the borough in a release.

On March 23 at 5:16 a.m., Konkle with the South Bound Brook Fire Department was called to crash involving an overturned motor vehicle on Barber Boulevard in South Bound Brook.

Following his response and later the same day, Konkle suffered a sudden acute medical emergency and despite life saving measures, died, said borough officials.

Konkle was 54 years old and had been a firefighter with the South Bound Brook Fire Department since 2013. He was a Somerset County 200 Club Valor Award recipient for a lifesaving rescue performed in 2017.

He leaves behind a wife, two children, and countless family and friends.

"We kindly request that the media and public respect the privacy of his family and our personnel as we cope with this profound loss," according to borough officials.