Newark Fire Officer's Union IAFF Local 1860

06/10/2026

05/30/2026

Newark Fire Officers Union Attends PFANJ Convention & Leadership Seminar
Representatives of the Newark Fire Officers Union recently attended the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey (PFANJ) Annual Convention and Affiliate Leadership Seminar in Atlantic City.
The convention brought together fire service leaders, labor representatives, legal experts, and public officials from across New Jersey to discuss issues affecting firefighters, retirees, and their families.
Throughout the conference, attendees participated in presentations and discussions covering:
✅ Firefighter health and wellness initiatives
✅ Cardio-pulmonary health and occupational cancer awareness
✅ PFAS and firefighter exposure concerns
✅ Workers' compensation and 9/11 Victims Compensation Fund updates
✅ First Responder Task Force initiatives
✅ State and federal legislative updates impacting firefighters
✅ Public employee retirement and pension issues
✅ Labor relations, collective bargaining, and union leadership development
✅ Legal updates affecting firefighters and labor organizations
The conference also provided an opportunity to collaborate with fire service leaders from throughout the state, exchange ideas, and discuss best practices that can strengthen our organization and improve representation for our members.
The Newark Fire Officers Union remains committed to staying informed, engaged, and proactive on issues affecting the safety, health, benefits, and working conditions of our members.
We appreciate the opportunity to represent Newark's fire officers and bring valuable information back to our membership.

05/28/2026

Today, the Newark Fire Officer’s Union remembers and honors the first line-of-duty death in the history of the Newark, New Jersey Fire Department — Foreman (Captain) Jacob Allen Jr.
On May 28, 1857, Foreman Allen responded to a heavily involved fire at the Newark India Rubber Company, a large four-story frame rubber plant. Firefighters faced intense fire conditions and a rapidly deteriorating structure as they battled the blaze. At the height of the fire, the building’s main chimney suddenly collapsed, striking Foreman Allen and causing fatal injuries. He was killed instantly in the performance of his duties. A Third Assistant Chief was also seriously injured in the collapse.
At just 35 years old, Jacob Allen Jr. became the first recorded Newark firefighter to die in the line of duty — a solemn and permanent part of Newark Fire Department history. His sacrifice stands at the very foundation of the courage, tradition, and brotherhood that continue to define this department nearly 170 years later.
Historical records identify him as the Foreman of Engine Company No. 4, and he is buried at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Newark, New Jersey.
Today, we honor his memory and the memory of every Newark firefighter who has made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the City of Newark.
Never Forgotten.
Always Honored.
Rest Easy, Captain Allen.

05/27/2026

🚨 2026 CONVENTION 🚨

🇺🇸 Edison, NJ Firefighters IAFF Local 1197 Color Guard and Newark Fire Officer's Union IAFF Local 1860 Pipes & Drums open the 2026 Convention.

05/22/2026

Today, the Newark Fire Officer's Union honors fallen Fireman William T. Reed, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on May 22, 1964.
Fireman Reed, badge number 259, was appointed to the Newark Fire Department on May 1, 1942, and was assigned to Truck 6. On that day in 1964, Truck 6 was operating at a fire in a wood-frame structure when Fireman Reed collapsed while performing roof operations and suffered a fatal heart attack. He was 53 years old and had dedicated more than 22 years of service to the City of Newark.
In the 1960s, roof work was some of the hardest work on the fireground — carrying heavy ladders and saws, opening roofs by hand, and operating in intense heat and smoke with limited protective equipment compared to today. The firefighters of that generation built Newark Fire’s reputation through grit, toughness, and sacrifice.
Many of these older line-of-duty deaths never received the recognition they deserved. No cameras. No headlines. Just firefighters answering alarms, doing their jobs, and giving everything they had.
Today, we remember Fireman William T. Reed and all the members of the Newark Fire Department who gave their lives in service to others. Never forgotten.

05/22/2026

Today we remember Newark Firefighter Lawrence James Webb, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on May 22, 2001.
Firefighter Webb, a 15-year veteran of the Newark Fire Department and cousin of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, gave his life while battling a devastating house fire in Newark’s Forest Hill section. Operating under extreme heat and zero visibility conditions, he aggressively advanced a hose line to protect lives and stop the fire’s spread — the exact kind of courage the fire service is built on.
As conditions rapidly deteriorated, a dangerous fire flow path and heavy smoke trapped Firefighter Webb on the top floor. Despite the efforts of his brothers to reach him, he succumbed to smoke inhalation after being removed from the building.
His sacrifice forever changed the way the fire service studies ventilation, fire behavior, and flow paths, helping protect firefighters across the country for generations to come.
Lawrence James Webb was more than a firefighter — he was a brother, a public servant, and a hero.
Never forgotten. Newark Strong. 🖤🚒

05/18/2026

Today the Newark Fire Officer's Union remembers Firefighter Robert "Bobby" Illis.
Firefighter Illis passed from cancer and was an Active Duty Death in 2022.

Robert was a Newark firefighter, having been stationed at Engine Company #7, “The Rock,” for 22 years. He also worked at Napa Hometown in Wood Ridge for 32 years.

Robert was an avid Philadelphia Flyers fan and played in several amateur hockey leagues as a defenseman. He was a cigar aficionado and enjoyed sharing a cigar with his friends. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife, Donna, and his beloved Pomeranian, Jett.

We miss you Bobby.