Morristown Public Safety Officials Mourn Former Fire Chief

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Local officials and emergency responders are mourning the loss of Retired Morristown Fire Chief Gary "Desi" Desjadon.

Desjadon passed away on June 6 at the age of 66. He was surrounded by family at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, after a “long and heroic battle” with cancer, his obituary said.

Desjadon served as Morristown’s Fire Chief from 2008 until his retirement in 2011. However, his years of service to Morristown go much further back.

Raised in Morristown, Desjadon first became a local volunteer firefighter in 1979. According to public safety officials, “it was clear from the beginning that Desi possessed a quiet strength, a deep sense of duty, and a passion for service that would shape the course of his life and inspire those around him.”

Desjadon spent six years as a volunteer firefighter before he “took the next step” as a career firefighter in 1985. He later moved through the ranks, becoming the Morristown Fire Captain in 1999, where he “mentored younger firefighters and helped build a culture rooted in integrity and teamwork”, a statement read.

Desjadon became Deputy Fire Chief in 2007, and just one year later, was promoted to Morristown’s Fire Chief.

“Chief Desjadon led with humility, compassion, and an unshakeable commitment to the safety and well-being of both his department and the citizens of Morristown,” a statement read. “Whether responding to emergencies or guiding the department through times of change, Desi was a steady hand, a trusted voice, and a role model to all.”

When Desjadon wasn’t serving his community, he could be found grilling, sitting poolside, strolling Disney World, and being with his family, his obituary reads.

A service was held last week at Dangler Funeral Home in Morris Plains, followed by a mass and burial the next day at St. Margaret Roman Catholic Church and Holy Rood Cemetery in Morristown.

“(Desjadon’s) leadership shaped generations of firefighters, and his service left an indelible mark on the heart of our community,” a Dept. of Public Safety statement read. “Thank you, Chief Desjadon, for your 32 years of service, your strength of character, and your lasting dedication to the Morristown Fire Department. You will always be part of Morristown's Bravest family.”

The former chief’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.