Fire Chief Dies Of Heart Attack After Fighting Train Fire In North Jersey

WEST MILFORD, NJ — The West Milford community is mourning the death of longtime firefighter and Fire Chief Edward Steines, who died of a heart attack the morning after fighting a train fire in Sussex County.

Steines, 64, died of a heart attack due to stress and/or overexertion, according to the U.S. Fire Administration. He had responded to a train fire in Hardyston the afternoon of Aug. 15 and returned home, collapsing the next morning from an apparent heart attack.

The Fire Administration said first responders took Steines to Chilton Medical Center, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 7:30 a.m. on Aug. 16. His passing is considered a line-of-duty death, according to federal and local fire officials.

The West Milford Fire Department announced Steines' death that day and said he was a member of the fire department for more than 40 years, before he became fire commissioner in 2000.

"Commissioner Steines was a huge asset to the township but was also a great friend and brother to all," said fire officials. "Was never hesitant to jump in and help out on any call and cherished all the organizations he was a part of. Nothing but laughs, jokes, and memories that will never be forgotten. A devastating loss to the township, and he will be greatly missed."

Steines also took on several other roles, serving as the township's Office of Emergency Management coordinator since 2011 and the Department of Public Works director since 2016.

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation in Maryland lowered the flag to half-staff and placed a memorial wreath for him, the department said.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 2,2023 at West Milford Fire Company #4 (1362 Macopin Rd, West Milford, NJ, 07480). Services begin at 11 a.m., with attendees able to arrive at 10 a.m. A repast will follow after the service at the firehouse.

Fire departments attending the service who will be in fire apparatus can park at Echo Lake Baptist Church (1355 Macopin Rd, West Milford). Parking will available for attendees at the West Milford High School Senior Parking Lot (67 Highlander Dr., West Milford)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Steines' name to one of the following funds:

• West Milford Burn Out Fund, 666 Macopin Road, West Milford, New Jersey 07480
• West Milford Chiefs Association Fund, PO Box 935, Hewitt, New Jersey 07421
• Milford First Aid Squad, PO Box 387, West Milford, NJ 07480