Gloucester County Fire Chiefs Association

08/21/2026

Past President Joe Petsch, may he rest in piece!

It is with heavy hearts that Star Cross Fire Department announces the passing of Joseph Petsch, a lifelong and dedicated member of our department.

Joe joined the Star Cross Fire Department in June of 1968 and devoted decades of service to our department and community. Throughout the years, Joe helped our department by holding numerous positions, including serving as our Chief for 30 years.

Joe’s dedication to helping others did not stop with our department. He also served as President of our County Chiefs Association for several years, along with serving as the Mayor of our great community in Franklin Township.

His dedication, leadership, knowledge, and friendship touched countless members of our department deeply. Joe’s legacy will live on among us, as well as in the lives of those he impacted throughout his lifetime of service to others.

We ask that you keep Joe’s family, friends, and his Star Cross Fire Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

May you rest easy, Chief. Thank you for a lifetime of service with us.

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Funeral service will be held on

Tuesday 8/25/2026 from 6:00pm- 09:00pm
Wednesday 8/26/2026 from 09:30-10:30am
Followed by church and burial services.

Bell-Hennessy Funeral Home Inc., 420 S Main St, Williamstown, NJ 08094

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to honor the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedom. As we look to the skies, we humbly remember their courage and legacy. May we cherish their memory today and always. 🇺🇸

04/12/2026

📞💛 National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week 💛📞

This week, we celebrate the voices you don’t see — but always hear when it matters most.

Behind every 911 call is a dispatcher…
The calm in chaos.
The steady voice guiding CPR.
The one coordinating police, fire, and EMS in seconds.
The one who hears people on their worst day — and shows up anyway.

Dispatchers are the first first responders.
They make split-second decisions, manage life-or-death situations, and carry the weight of every call long after it ends.

They are…
🚨 Problem solvers
📡 Multitaskers
🧠 Critical thinkers
💛 Compassionate listeners
💪 And the unseen backbone of public safety

At the Gloucester County Dispatchers Association, our mission is to support, uplift, and advocate for these incredible individuals — because they deserve it not just this week, but every day.

👉 Want to show your support in a fun way?

Join us at our Toss for the Tones Co****le Tournament on May 16th!

Every team, every sponsor, and every attendee helps us continue supporting dispatchers in our community.

🎯 Play, donate, sponsor, or simply spread the word — it all makes a difference.

Check out the event page here: https://www.facebook.com/share/19wmmn5HqP/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Because supporting dispatchers means supporting the people who are always there… when no one else can be.