'Gone Too Soon': Retired Ridgewood Fire Captain Dies At 56

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Gone far too soon, retired Ridgewood Fire Department Capt. Greg "The Dude" Hillerman will live on in the memories of those whose lives he touched, a tribute to the late firefighter said.

Hillerman, who was awarded many decorations throughout a 31-year career at the Ridgewood Fire Department, died at age 56 on Friday.

"We'll miss you brother," the village Firefighters Mutual Benevolent Association said in a social media post. "Those who worked with (Hillerman) and knew him will never forget all of the fun he brought every single day."

Remembered as a kind-hearted person, Hillerman "always led by example" and was a positive mentor to others throughout his career, the tribute said. He had developed many close friendships at the fire department, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant and then captain before he retired in 2017.

He was known well by his colleagues for his mechanical abilities and firehouse innovations, the tribute continued.

"When the need for new fire command vehicles arose, (Hillerman) designed and fabricated the interior layouts for the tools and systems required," the tribute said, adding that he was also quick to help those he knew with home or car repairs.

His mechanical abilities were an ongoing passion even after he retired. He had even built a dam at his home that stopped his neighbor's pond from receding, while maintaining the natural flow regime — "a project that would impress any civil engineer."

Born in Hackensack, Hillerman graduated Ridgewood High School before joining the fire department. He had a love for fishing that took him on trips around the country, and a love of rock music from the likes of The Rolling Stones, ZZ Top and Rammstein.

He is survived by his wife and son.