Community Corner
5 First Responders Who Left A Lasting Legacy In Hackettstown
The service and commitment of these remarkable individuals continue to inspire today's firefighters, police officers and EMTs.
Hackettstown is fortunate to have dedicated first responders — police officers, firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, and search and rescue teams —who work tirelessly to protect and serve our community. Their commitment carries forward the legacy of those who paved the way, demonstrating courage and dedication every day.
In partnership with T-Mobile, Patch is honoring the first responders who came before them—individuals whose impact continues to shape Hackettstown. Today, we’re highlighting five remarkable figures who left a lasting mark on our community.
1. Joseph Fox, Sr. (Warren County Fire Academy)
Joseph Fox, Sr. served Warren County’s firefighting community for over three decades, most recently as the Fire Academy Training Coordinator, a role he held from 2006 until his retirement in 2025. His leadership extended beyond the classroom, having also served as Washington Fire Department Chief and in emergency management roles for Washington Borough. In March 2025, Fox's dedication was celebrated by colleagues and county officials, who praised his enduring legacy and the countless lives he helped prepare to protect others.
2. Chief Bruce A. Tynan (Hackettstown Fire Department)
In 2021, Bruce A. Tynan was honored by the New Jersey State Firemen’s Association for 65 years of dedicated volunteer service with the Hackettstown Fire Department. The proclamation celebrated his extensive contributions, including responding to alarms, attending drills and meetings, supporting fundraisers and serving on department committees. Now, more than 65 years since he first joined, Tynan continues to serve the department and community as Deputy Chief—a role that reflects his ongoing leadership and commitment to public safety. His decades of service have made him a cornerstone of the department and an enduring example of dedication.
3. Frank Wheatley (Warren County Department of Public Safety)
In 2023, Frank Wheatley retired after 18 years of dedicated service to the Warren County Department of Public Safety, following a distinguished 26-year career in law enforcement. His background also includes 18 years as a volunteer firefighter and 10 years as an EMT, reflecting a lifelong commitment to public safety. Wheatley played a critical role in guiding the county through major emergencies, including Hurricane Irene, Superstorm Sandy and Hurricane Ida. He was personally thanked by Colonel Callahan and the New Jersey State Police Command Staff for his contributions.
4. K-9 Officer Jada (Hackettstown Police Department)
K-9 Jada served the Hackettstown Police Department with distinction from 2016 until her unexpected passing in August 2020. Deployed over 190 times across four counties, she played a key role in high-profile cases, including tracking a suspect in an attempted murder and locating the weapon used. Jada was also a beloved figure in the community, frequently appearing at public events and earning national recognition in a K-9 grant contest. She was honored with an “End of Watch” call, a memorial at Town Hall and a flag flown at the U.S. Capitol. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched and the bond she shared with her handler, Officer Christopher Laver.
5. Kenneth J. McCarthy (Warren County Correctional Center)
Kenneth J. McCarthy retired in November 2024 after more than four decades in law enforcement, including eight and a half years as Warden of the Warren County Correctional Center. Praised by county commissioners for leading with humility, sensitivity and heart, McCarthy has been recognized for maintaining high standards at the facility, especially during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. His efforts to reduce recidivism and improve outcomes for those incarcerated left a lasting impact on the community. Prior to his role as Warden, McCarthy served with the New Jersey State Police for nearly 30 years, earning Trooper of the Year honors in 2005 for heroic actions during a hostage situation.
Know a first responder — past or present — who’s making a difference in Hackettstown? We’d love to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch.
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