Near Miss on 80 Accident Scene

February 16, 2023

We’ve all heard and seen the saying “Slow Down and Move Over”. Every first responder is taught to watch their back on the roadway and to never turn your back to traffic. We see it all the time on television and social media of it happening across the country, but we never imagine it will happen so close to home.

Earlier last night, at 22:30, crews were dispatched to Mile Marker 17.4 for a motor vehicle accident involving two vehicle as a precautionary to assist with the scene.

While operating on the scene, at approximately 23:10, a large Heavy Duty “rotator” tow truck towing a refrigerated box truck came crashing into the active scene.

Multiple New Jersey State Police vehicles received significant damage, as well as some minor damage to a BLS unit and one firetruck.

Marked state police vehicles with emergency lights activated were positioned in addition to road flares to close the lanes when the Western Star heavy-duty tow truck failed to observe the closure and entered the crash scene.

By a miracle, every member from Fire, EMS, and police walked away last night and returned home to their families safely.

Thursday night’s incident occurred “almost immediately” after the passing of life member and past Capt. Rick Dziergoski: “It is because Rick was watching over our first responders on that scene last night that everyone made it home. We are going to miss you deeply Rick. We are blessed to now have you as one of our angels.”