Community Mourns Death Of Beloved Chester Firefighter, Police Officer

CHESTER, NJ — The Chester community is mourning the death of 71-year-old Chester native and long-time public servant Louis Lee Case, Jr.

Case, also known as Lou throughout the community, dedicated his life to the Chester Community through his many years of service as a police officer, firefighter, EMT and Freemason. He died on Saturday, Aug. 20 at Morristown Medical Center.

Lou was born on Nov. 12, 1950 in Morristown to the late Beatrice and Louis Case. He was a graduate of West Morris Regional High School in 1970 and later a graduate of the NJ State Police Training Academy in 1973. Lou became a full-time patrolman in 1973, according to his obituary.

Lou patrolled Chester Township for 27 years before retiring in May 2000. He then went to work for Spectrum Communications, where he installed police radios in patrol cars.

Later, Lou worked as a part-time dispatcher for Washington Township Dispatch, and he enjoyed working with electronics.

"His greatest joy was helping people which led to a long life of service," reads his obituary. "In his spare time, you could find Lou polishing the many vehicles he owned over the years or the firetrucks at the station. He loved the snow and Lou enjoyed plowing and posting pictures on Facebook,"

During his career as a public servant, Lou received a Life-Saving Award, was named Officer of the Year in 1999 and was named Squad Member of the Year as an EMT in 1996.

During his 45 years in the fire department, Lou served as Chief Engineer, Lieutenant, and Captain. In 2012, he was named Firefighter of the Year.

Lou is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Georgia Case, his sister, Janice Corbetis and her husband William Corbetis of Bay Shore, NY, and his sister Joan Case of Long Valley.

"Lou had a big heart and a sense of humor whose selfless acts of kindness touched many people’s lives," according to his obituary.

Lou’s Life Celebration will include a visitation on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the William J. Leber Funeral Home, with a Fireman’s service, set to begin at 7 p.m. Lou’s Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022, at 10:30 a.m., also at the Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Chester Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, P.O. Box 506, Chester, New Jersey 07930.