NJ First Responder Taken Off Life Support After Crash

MOONACHIE, NJ — A New Jersey first responder who was critically injured doing his part-time job as a tow truck driver has been taken off life support.

Robert Thornton, 31, had been a member of the Moonachie First Aid and Rescue Squad since 2019.

A flag-raising ceremony was held at Hackensack Meriden Health Hospital Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. for him as he was taken off life support.

On February 12, Thornton was severely injured while working his paid job as a tow truck operator for Nick's Towing, according to a Facebook post from Moonachie First Aid and Rescue Squad.

His colleagues there said they are grateful to other police, fire, and EMS companies who supported them.

Nick's Towing Service also shared a tribute to Thornton, saying he was a quiet man who quickly became part of the work family.

"He was laid back, friendly, and a genuinely nice human being," the company wrote on Facebook. "He enjoyed his work and did it well. Rob was someone who clearly believed in service to his community as evidenced by his choice of career, work as a volunteer EMT with the Moonachie First Aid Squad, and even in death as an organ donor."

Thornton was an organ donor, his family said on a GoFundMe page. His Facebook page noted that he went to Ridgefield Park High School.

A memorial service has not yet been scheduled for him.