Categorized | 1 News Release, Carousel

SLIDE SHOW: Perth Amboy Fire Department Remembers Firefighter Richard W. Leonard

Press Release

PERTH AMBOY/JACKSON TOWNSHIP – On July 30, 2017, retired Perth Amboy Firefighter Richard W. Leonard passed away due to injuries sustained while operating at a fire at 1037-1057 State Street on April 19, 1993. Firefighter Leonard was being cared for under worker’s comp insurance for the past 24 years, due to health conditions directly caused by exposure to the toxic smoke at that fire that involved a plastic recycling facility. Firefighter Leonard retired due to this injury in 1994 as he was unable to return to work. Richard also served as a Fire Commissioner for the Jackson Township Fire District 4 Board of Fire Commissioners where he resided. His son Richard P. Leonard is a career firefighter for the Jackson Mills Fire Department.

On Friday August 4, 2017, Perth Amboy Fire Department Line of Duty Death Funeral Services were held in honor of Firefighter Leonard at St. Aloysius Church in Jackson, NJ. These services were given seamlessly in conjunction with the Jackson Mills Fire Department. Bagpipers from around the state answered the call for assistance to give tribute to our fallen brother. Firefighters from around the area lined a “Sea of Blue” as we saluted Firefighter Leonard entering and exiting the Church. At the conclusion of the funeral mass, Firefighter Leonard was given his last alarm call, which was broadcast from the Ocean County Dispatch ending with a very emotional “Rest Easy Brother, We’ll Take it from Here.” That was immediately followed by the bagpipers playing Amazing Grace and a presentation of our nation’s flag to Richard W. Leonard’s wife Catherine Leonard. A final procession went from St. Aloysius Church, past the Leonard’s residence and ended at the Jackson Mills Fire Department Station 54. Thank you to all that participated and came out in support for the Leonard Family and to Mayor Diaz, who also stood with the men and women of the Fire Department.

Richard is survived by his Wife of 47 years, Catherine Leonard of Jackson Twp., NJ; his Son, Richard P. Leonard and his Wife, Francesca (Valente) Leonard of Jackson Twp., NJ; his Daughters, Erin Leonard of Jackson Twp., NJ, and Robin Ostek and her Husband, Bronson of Jackson Twp., NJ; his Granddaughters, Lauren Ostek, Jillian Ostek, and Sophia Leonard; his Mother, Violet (Dayko) Leonard of Perth Amboy, NJ; his Brother, David Leonard and his Wife, Lorraine of Colonia, NJ; and by his Nephews, David Leonard and his Wife, Valerie, Shawn Leonard and his Wife, Danielle; and Thomas Leonard. – Obituary Piece from myCentralJersey.com

Leave a Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Browse Current Issue - Click Here

Safety Announcement

We are taking safety precautions in the City of Perth Amboy, and emphasize that it is important: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING!!
Report Suspicious Activity – Be Vigilant – STAY ALERT! Do not think that any call or report is too small. Don’t allow the actions of a few dictate your quality of life.
FOR ALL EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 9-1-1
FOR ALL NON-EMERGENCIES, DIAL: 732-442-4400