'We Lost A Good Soul': Hillsborough Community Mourns Firefighter

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Hillsborough Fire Company #2 Assistant Chief William "Bill" Shaffer gave 35 years of selfless dedication to the township and fittingly died in the line of duty while serving his beloved community.

Shaffer died last Wednesday while battling a car fire Camplain Road. Read More: Hillsborough Firefighter Dies In Line Of Duty

"He is to be commended for his selfless dedication to the town of Hillsborough. He will be forever missed and his giving of himself to the community is admirable," wrote a mourner on the hillsboroughfuneralhome.com page.

Shaffer was an active member Station 37 Fire and served Hillsborough for more than 35 years. He is survived by his wife Marian, and three children.

Currently, flags in the township are at half staff in Shaffer's honor and funeral services will be held this week. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mary Mother of God, 157 S. Triangle Road, in Hillsborough. A funeral service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Mary Mother of God. Burial will be held at Neshanic Reformed Cemetery, 687 Amwell Road, Neshanic.

From top officials to neighbors to neighboring fire companies, many shared their condolences on Shaffer's death.

"I was a neighbor of Bill and his family in the Kimberwyck development of Hillsborough. He was always so giving of his time and assistance. Whether it was helping to spread mulch, disconnecting a doorbell that kept ringing or responding to smoke at the neighbor's home. He seemed to instill this attitude in his children as well. We lost a good soul," wrote Jacqueline Fleming on the funeral page.

"Our deepest sympathies and warmest condolences. Rest Easy Brother. We will take it from here," said Hillsborough Fire Company #2.

"Assistant Chief Shaffer was consistently one of Hillsborough’s top responders. Chief Shaffer had dedicated 35 years of self-sacrificing and altruistic service to his community. Yesterday, Assistant Chief Schaffer answered his last call, passing away in the line of duty, while selflessly protecting his community. Thank you for everything, Chief and may you rest in peace," said North Branch Volunteer Fire Company.

"Hillsborough was a better place because of Billy. Rest easy Assistant Chief," said Hillsborough Committeeman Doug Tomson.

"Hillsborough experienced a great sadness today with the untimely passing of one of our dedicated volunteer fireman Bill Shaffer," said Hillsborough Mayor Shawn Lipani. "Whether you knew him from [Station] 37 or from seeing him at work at ShopRite, Billy always had a smile and a good word. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife Marian, and his entire family. He will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Billy."

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