N.J. Fire Chief's Sudden Death Leaves Perth Amboy Community Grieving On Father's Day

Firefighters are mourning the loss of a beloved fire chief who's sudden death has left a New Jersey community grieving.

Perth Amboy firefighters announced Chief Abraham Pitre's death on Facebook on Sunday, saying: "As you may be aware, we suffered a huge loss yesterday."

The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office also said it's investigating, calling the death "sudden." Pitre, 44, lived in Perth Amboy with his wife and three children.

Pitre was the city's first Hispanic fire chief after he took the position in 2014.

"We will honor his memory by continuing to uphold our solemn oath to serve and protect, remembering those that lay the path to our future," the department said.

Details on the chief's death were unavailable at press time.

"May you rest in peace Chief. Know the love, respect & loyalty we have for you," according to the department. "We ask everyone to lift up Chief Pitre & his family in prayer as we grieve together through this difficult time."

He also was active in charity giving and other community functions:

Others took to social media to pay their respects:

Perth Amboy Fire Department photo