New Jersey Firefighters Honor Fallen Heroes at 129th Annual Convention
Atlantic City, NJ – In a solemn ceremony that underscored the ultimate sacrifice made by those who serve, the New Jersey State Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association gathered at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to remember fallen brothers and sisters during their 129th Annual Convention's Memorial Ceremony on September 16, 2025.
Memorial Chair Ryan Tevnan led the emotional tribute, addressing the assembled delegates about the critical importance of never forgetting those who gave their lives in service. The ceremony honored six active-duty deaths and dozens of retirees who passed during the previous year, representing fire departments from across the Garden State.
Among the active-duty deaths memorialized were Firefighter Joseph Coughlin Jr. from Bayonne Local 11, Firefighters Tony Hunter and Martin B. Lamb from East Orange Local 23, and Firefighter Lonn Mullen from Summit Local 54. The tragic loss of Firefighter Qua'dry Lyons from Lakewood Local 80 and Captain Brian Pfeiffer from Hamilton Fire Officers Local 284 served as stark reminders of the dangers inherent in the profession.
The retiree memorial list spanned communities throughout New Jersey, with Clifton Local 21 suffering particularly heavy losses with nine members passing, including Anthony Alessi, Michael Butts, and Leonard Passenti Jr. North Hudson Local 24 mourned seven members, while Paterson Locals 2 and 202 recognized eight fallen firefighters.
The United Pipes and Drums provided musical honors during the 119th Memorial Ceremony, their haunting melodies echoing through the convention hall as 96 locals, 8 officers, and 5 trustees stood in silent tribute. Father John McCrone delivered the invocation, asking for blessings upon the families of the fallen and strength for those who continue to serve.
"These men and women represent the very best of our profession," Tevnan told the gathering. "They answered the call when their communities needed them most, and today we ensure their sacrifice is never forgotten."
The memorial included firefighters from major urban departments like Paterson, Trenton, and Newark, as well as smaller communities throughout the state. Each name read aloud represented not just a lost colleague, but a father, mother, spouse, or child whose absence leaves an irreplaceable void.
Among the retirees honored were veterans with decades of service, including many who had been instrumental in building the FMBA into the powerful advocate it is today. Their contributions to both their local departments and the state organization were acknowledged with gratitude and respect.
The ceremony set a reflective tone for the three-day convention, reminding the nearly 100 locals in attendance that their work carries inherent risks and that the brotherhood they share extends beyond the firehouse to encompass the entire state.
As the names of the fallen were read and their photographs displayed, many in attendance bowed their heads, some wiping away tears as they remembered colleagues, mentors, and friends. The ceremony concluded with a moment of silence and a final salute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.