Flanders Fire Chief Dies in Line of Duty After Responding to Call

Online, June 7, 2011 (Newswire.com) - FLANDERS, N.J. - Assistant Fire Chief Thomas Shields, 42, of the Flanders Fire Company and Rescue Squad, died today after responding to a call involving a child made sick by the heat.
It is the fire company's first line-of-duty death since its founding in 1927.

Firefighters were called to Mountainview School for an unresponsive child. After clearing the scene, Shields returned to the firehouse to work on reports and other business. He complained of not feeling well and went home. Once home, his wife, a lieutenant with the EMS division of the fire company, called for an ambulance. He was transported to Saint Clare's Hospital in Denville, where he died.

"Our hearts go out to the Shields family," said Fire Chief Greg Widzemok. "We're devastated. He was a huge part of this department and we will miss him."

Arrangements were to be announced, Widzemok said.

The Flanders Fire Company and Rescue Squad No. 1 provides fire protection and emergency medical services to residents and businesses in Flanders and, through mutual aid, surrounding towns. It is made up of about 75 members. The fire company operates two fire engines, one tower truck, one heavy rescue, a brush-and-foam truck, two ambulances, a multiple-casualty unit and a mass decontamination unit.