03/25/2024
Today we honor, and remember our fallen hero, who will never be forgotten.
 March 25, 2001 - LODD
Firefighter James Thomas Heenan, 37
V***a Fire Company #1. Westville, New Jersey
Firefighters were dispatched to reports of a structure fire in a 1½ -story residence. Upon his arrival, the Fire Chief observed a glow from the basement, heavy smoke conditions, and fire visible from the rear kitchen windows. A car parked in front of the house and reports from neighbors that the house was occupied led the Chief to believe that rescue was needed. Upon the arrival of the first engine company, the Chief ordered two firefighters to enter the rear of the structure to perform a primary search of the structure. Firefighter Heenan was first through the door. As soon as he entered the kitchen, the floor collapsed into the basement. Firefighter Heenan, who was wearing full protective clothing and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), fell into the burning basement. Rescue efforts were begun immediately by firefighters who entered the basement through an outside door. Firefighter Heenan was located immediately, but his removal was delayed by the fact that Firefighter Heenan was trapped under the debris of the kitchen that had fallen into the basement. Firefighters were assisted in locating Firefighter Heenan by the sounding of his Personal Alert Safety System (PASS) device. Firefighter Heenan was conscious and guided rescuers. After significant efforts lasting approximately 20 minutes, Firefighter Heenan was removed from the structure. Advanced Life Support (ALS) medical care was provided, and he was transported to the hospital. Firefighter Heenan had severe burns over 74% of his body. He was conscious and alert upon his arrival at the hospital. Firefighter Heenan underwent at least nine surgeries related to his injuries including the amputation of his hands. His condition progressively worsened and he died on March 25, 2001. Firefighter Heenan’s family was at his side at the time of his death. The structure fire that claimed Firefighter Heenan’s life was a rekindle of an earlier dryer fire. The residents had extinguished the earlier fire and had not called the fire department. At approximately 11:30 p.m., after the original fire was thought to be extinguished, the residents left the house.
