Union County Hazmat Lieutenant Dies At Age 35 From Battle With Cancer

UNION COUNTY, NJ — Lieutenant Tom Zub of Union County Hazmat FMBA Local 99 died on Thursday following his battle with cancer, according to an announcement from the county's hazmat team.

Zub, a Cranford resident and Clark native, died at the age of 35. He previously worked as an EMT for the City of Rahway First Aid Squad, and he was active member of the hazmat team — serving as delegate, treasurer and president.

"Tom was courageous in every sense of the word, and a loyal friend and a leader to those who knew him," Union County Hazmat FMBA Local 99 wrote on Facebook Thursday. "Tom served in a variety of leadership roles for Local 99 and for Union County Emergency Services as a whole. We will never forget his selfless dedication to public service, and we will forever celebrate his memory and legacy."

Westfield FMBA Local 30 also expressed their condolences on Facebook and said they would often see Zub on calls in and around Westfield, and "his knowledge and friendliness made it easy to get along with him."

"Our hearts are broken this evening as we learn of the passing of friend and colleague, Lieutenant Tom Zub ..." Westfield FMBA Local 30 wrote. "... Local 99 has often sponsored and participated in Westfield Local 30 events and Tom was a big part of that in recent years. Our thoughts are with his immediate family and the extended family across all branches of the emergency services. Rest in Peace #5218, we'll take it from here."

Zub leaves behind his wife Stephanie, who he just celebrated their second month of marriage with. In addition, he is survived by his mother Rosemarie, father Buddy, and brother Andrew.

A GoFundMe was created to support Zub's family during this difficult time.

"There was nothing more in this world that Tom valued and loved more than his family," organizer Corey Platt wrote on the GoFundMe. "It is imperative that we come together as a community of first responders, brotherhood, and friends to lift the Zub Family up in prayer and support them unconditionally through this difficult time of mourning and loss."

All proceeds will go directly to Zub's wife, Stephanie, to ensure the high costs of services and daily living are taken care of and not stressed by the family.

According to the GoFundMe, Zub dedicated many hours to his motorcycle club, Fourth Watch (the Raritan Valley Chapter) and was deeply respected by his fellow members of the Hazardous Material Unit.

You can view photos of Zub working with the hazmat team in the Facebook post below: