Injured N.J. Firefighter Loses Fight for Life

At the Verga fire house in West Deptford, volunteer firefighters were fixing up one of their trucks, sweeping up the floors, and somberly remembering a fallen comrade.

At 5:30pm Sunday, 37-year-old James Heenan died at the Crozier-Chester Burn Center in Upland, 84 days after he was admitted for suffering third and fourth degree burns on 75% of his body. Heenan`s assistant fire chief was at the hospital when doctors announced the news.

Assistant Chief A.J. Ferriola/Verga fire company: "He was an excellent firefighter, he was an excellent husband, excellent father, excellent family man, in every way, jimmy was a great guy."

Early New Year`s Day, there were reports that someone was trapped inside 1669 Atkins Avenue in West Deptford. Heenan, among the first firefighters to arrive, decided to attempt a rescue. But the reports were unfounded, and Heenan, in his valiant efforts, fell into the basement as the first floor collapsed.

Despite the fact that Heenan`s condition never improved dramatically, his family, and friends never gave up hope that the man considered to be the bravest in the fire department would pull through somehow.

Numerous fundraisers were held for his wife Patty, and two teenage kids. There were blood drives, in case Heenan needed more transfusions. There were constant prayers.

Assistant Chief A.J. Ferriola/Verga fire company: "Everybody hoped for the best, 100% percent recovery. Unfortunately, it`s not in our hands."

The Atkins Avenue home has since been bulldozed. The fire was ruled accidental.

At the firehouse, they`re still planning fundraisers for Heenan`s family. The nameplate on his locker represents 18 years of memories, of putting his life on the line until the very end.

Debbie Pickering/family friend: "They don`t realize what they give, and they`re giving their life. They`re only a volunteer."

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Author: 6 ABC - Action News (AP)