Ex-Fire Chief Dies Unexpectedly, Bridgewater Community Mourns Loss

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department Chief Engineer and Ex-Chief Jeff Koerner, Sr. died unexpectedly at the age of 70 on Friday, March 10.

"A member of the department for 54 years, he will be missed for his dedication to our department, our community and our residents," wrote Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department.

Koerner, Sr. was born to Theodore J. Koerner and Doris (Ziegler) Koerner.

A lifelong resident of Bridgewater Township, Koerner, Sr. lived much of his early years in the Martinsville section before moving to Bound Brook and finally the Green Knoll section in 2016.

He is a 1970 graduate of Immaculata High School and worked for 40 years for the Bridgewater Township Public Works before retiring in 2016 as a general foreman.

In his free time, Koerner, Sr. enjoyed hunting, classic cars, and relaxing with his German Shepherd, Bandit. He was a firefighter and life member serving 54 years for the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department.

In addition to being a member of the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department, he was also a life member of the New Jersey Fireman’s Association and a member of the New Jersey Exempt Fireman’s Association.

Koerner, Sr. is survived by his beloved wife of 16 years, Susan (Puma) Koerner; children, Jeffrey J. Koerner, Jr. of Bridgewater, Christopher Koerner of FL, Andrew Koerner and fiancé, Alyson Monaco of South Bound Brook, step-daughter Sara Miller, and a sister, Sue Graham of VA.

Visiting hours will be held Thursday, March 16 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bridgewater Funeral Home, 707 East Main Street, Bridgewater.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, March 17, at the funeral home followed by burial at St. Bernard Cemetery in Bridgewater.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Martinsville Volunteer Fire Department, or Somerset Regional Animal Shelter.