Newark Fire Officer's Union IAFF Local 1860

08/31/2026

Congratulations, Captain Christopher Wolf!
The Newark Fire Officers Union proudly congratulates Captain Christopher Wolf on his retirement from the Newark Fire Department after a dedicated career serving the City of Newark and its residents.
Captain Wolf began his career as a Firefighter assigned to Truck Company 7. As an officer, Chris served at Engine Company 9, returned to Truck Company 7, and ultimately finished his career as the Captain of Engine Company 18, at Avon Avenue and South 13th Street.
Throughout his career, Chris earned the respect of those who worked alongside him as a firefighter, company officer, mentor, and friend. His knowledge, experience, and commitment to the job have left a lasting impression on countless members of the Newark Fire Department.
Chris is also one of the founding members of the Newark Firefighters Pipe Band, helping establish a tradition that continues to represent our department and honor the fire service today.
Captain Wolf, congratulations on an outstanding career and a well-earned retirement. Thank you for your years of service, leadership, and dedication to the Newark Fire Department. Enjoy retirement—you earned it!

08/26/2026

The Newark Fire Officers Union regrets to announce the passing of Retired Fire Captain James Gritschke, who passed away on Sunday, August 23, 2026.
Captain Gritschke was appointed to the Newark Fire Department on February 25, 1974, beginning more than 30 years of dedicated service to the City of Newark. He was promoted to the rank of Fire Captain on June 29, 1998, and retired on December 1, 2004.
Throughout his career, Captain Gritschke served at numerous assignments across the Newark Fire Department, including Engine 17, Engine 4, Engine 6, Battalion 3, Chief’s Aide, Engine 11, Roving, and Engine 16.
Prior to his service with the Newark Fire Department, Captain Gritschke proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
Funeral Arrangements
Viewing:
Monday, August 31, 2026
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home
275 West Milton Avenue
Rahway, NJ 07065
Funeral Service:
Tuesday, September 1, 2026
11:00 AM
Lehrer-Gibilisco Funeral Home
Formal Newark Fire Division participation has been requested by the family, including the Newark Fire Department Honor Guard and Newark Fire Department Pipe and Drums Band.
The Newark Fire Officers Union extends our deepest condolences to Captain Gritschke’s family, friends, and his brothers and sisters of the Newark Fire Department. We thank him for a lifetime of service to his country, the City of Newark, and the fire service.
Rest in peace, Captain James Gritschke.

08/26/2026

Today, the Newark Fire Officers Union pauses to remember and honor fallen Firefighter Michael J. McManus, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty on August 26, 1929.
Firefighter McManus was a member of Engine Company 10 of the Newark Fire Department.
On August 24, 1929, Firefighter McManus was operating at a dwelling fire when he was struck in the head by a falling beam. He suffered severe head injuries and succumbed to those injuries two days later, on August 26, 1929.
Firefighter McManus was just 36 years old at the time of his death.
Nearly a century later, we continue to remember Firefighter Michael J. McManus and honor his courage, service, and ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Newark.
Never Forgotten. Always Remembered.

08/21/2026

Today, the Newark Fire Officers Union pauses to remember and honor fallen Firefighter Alfred L. Biebel, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty on August 21, 1911.
Firefighter Biebel, Badge 136, was a member of Truck Company 3 of the Newark Fire Department.
On August 21, 1911, Firefighter Biebel was riding in the tiller seat as Truck 3 responded to an alarm. During the response, the apparatus struck a rut in the road, throwing Firefighter Biebel from the tiller seat. Tragically, he was run over by the apparatus and died from his injuries. He was 45 years old.
Today, more than a century later, we remember Firefighter Alfred L. Biebel and honor his service, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice for the citizens of Newark.
Never Forgotten. Always Remembered.

08/20/2026

Today, the Newark Fire Officers Union pauses to remember and honor fallen Firefighter Harry F. Halpin, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the Line of Duty on August 20, 1980.
Firefighter Halpin, Badge #963, was a United States Army veteran who was appointed to the Newark Fire Department on February 25, 1974, and assigned to Truck Company 2.
On August 16, 1980, Firefighter Halpin was operating at a fire in a vacant three-story brick building at 3223–3229 Broadway. While performing his duties, he stepped onto a fire escape that suddenly collapsed, causing him to fall to the ground below and suffer severe head injuries.
Four days later, on August 20, 1980, Firefighter Halpin succumbed to his injuries.
Even in death, Firefighter Halpin continued his legacy of saving lives. His liver, kidneys, and heart were donated and transplanted into others, allowing his final act of service to give the gift of life.
Today, we remember Firefighter Harry F. Halpin for his courage, his service to our country and the City of Newark, and the ultimate sacrifice he made in the Line of Duty.
Never Forgotten. Always Remembered.

08/13/2026

This Saturday, August 15th, the Captain Wayne Brooks Jr. Foundation brings the community together for the Kickball Showdown at Biertuempfel Park in Union!
🔥 Newark Fire Department vs. United Move Team 🔥
Come out for an afternoon of friendly competition, food, music, family activities, and most importantly — supporting the legacy of Captain Wayne Brooks Jr.
📅 Saturday, August 15
⏰ 1 PM – 7 PM
📍 Biertuempfel Park | Union, NJ
🏆 Playing for the Captain Wayne Brooks Cup
Bring the family, support the cause, and come see who takes home the cup!
Newark is coming to play. 🚒🏆
🎟️ Scan the QR code on the flyer to grab your tickets.

08/13/2026

08/13/2026

Today, the Newark Fire Officers Union pauses to remember and honor Fireman Francis E. Corbitt, Jr., who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on August 8, 1946.
Fireman Corbitt, Badge #924, proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War I, serving overseas with the 29th Division before continuing a life of service with the Newark Fire Department.
On July 31, 1946, Fireman Corbitt was assigned to Engine 6 when the company was responding to an alarm and collided with Truck 5. During the violent collision, Fireman Corbitt was impaled on the tiller step of Truck 5 and suffered critical injuries.
For eight days, Fireman Corbitt fought to survive his injuries. Tragically, on August 8, 1946, he succumbed to those injuries at the age of 52.
From serving his country overseas during World War I to protecting the citizens of Newark, Fireman Corbitt dedicated his life to service. Today, we honor his courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice.
Never Forgotten. Always Remembered.
NeverForget

08/12/2026

Today, the Newark Fire Officers Union pauses to remember and honor Firefighter James M. Murray, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on August 12, 1984.
Firefighter Murray, age 40, Badge #245, was a six-year veteran of the Newark Fire Department and a member of Truck Company 10. Before joining the fire service, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army Airborne Division during the Vietnam War.
On August 12, 1984, Firefighter Murray was operating with Engine 18 at a three-alarm fire in the Gibraltar Building at 153 Halsey Street. While battling intense heat and heavy smoke on the seventh floor, he became separated from his company and exhausted his air supply.
Firefighter Murray was later found unconscious and removed from the building. He was transported to University Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.
From his service in Vietnam to his service protecting the citizens of Newark, Firefighter Murray dedicated his life to others. Today, we honor his courage, his service, and his ultimate sacrifice. His legacy will forever remain a part of the proud history of the Newark Fire Department.
Never Forgotten. Always Remembered.

08/11/2026

IAFF ADVOCATES FOR OUR PFANJ BROTHER

We don't back down when one of our own is targeted.

Recently, Newark Fire Officers Union Local 1860 President Thomas Shea was demoted from Battalion Chief to Captain in retaliation for simply doing his job and fighting fiercely for his members as union president.

This morning, at the 58th International Association of Fire Fighters Convention, New Jersey Firefighters PFANJ President Matthew Caliente took a point of personal privilege to address this injustice on the convention floor. In a powerful display of union strength, New Jersey delegates rose in solidarity with Brother Shea. This action received unwavering support of the entire IAFF delegation with the strength of over 365,000 members across the United States and Canada.

When you attack our union leaders for defending their members, you attack us all. An injury to one is an injury to all that will be met with the power of the entire IAFF and its Guardian Policy.