Chester Mourns Former Fire Chief

CHESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — The Chester community is coming together to remember its former fire chief, who died this week.

Scott David "Dave" Parks, of Chester, died on Sunday at the age of 79.

Parks has been a firefighter with the Chester Volunteer Fire Company since 1967, serving as the department’s chief in 1980.

"We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Dave Parks, Past Fire Chief and Life Member of the Chester Volunteer Fire Company," a Chester Volunteer Fire Company statement read. "Dave dedicated his life to the service and safety of our community, leading with integrity, courage, and compassion. Our thoughts are with his family and all who were honored to serve alongside him. Rest in peace, Chief."

Originally from Newton, Parks moved to Chester in the late 1950s, where he graduated from West Morris High School. In addition to being a fireman in the community, he also served as a Special Police Officer.

He became an electrician after high school, and soon after started what would be a 39-year career with JCP&L. He retired as the company’s Chief Lineman in 2005.

Parks was heavily involved in community sports. A high school wrestler himself, he founded the Chester P.A.A. wrestling program and coached for many years. He was also a founding member of the Chester Men's Adult Softball League.

“Above all else, Dave loved spending time with family and friends — who, to him, were always one and the same,” Park’s obituary reads.

Visitation is Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the William J. Leber Funeral Home in Chester, with a full-dress Fireman's Service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Friday at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery after a funeral procession and last call at the Chester Fire House, including a final drive past Parks Farms on Route 24.

Park’s family asks that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Chester Volunteer Fire Company.