Part Of County Ave. Renamed For William Koenemund, Who Died Responding To Fire Call

SECAUCUS, NJ — On Sept. 6, the Secaucus Fire Department and Washington Hook & Ladder Company #1 held a ceremony honoring former fire captain William “Bo” Koenemund.

Koenemund died in the line of duty while responding to a call for mutual aid for a fire in Passaic on September 2, 1985, Labor Day.

He died of a heart attack while responding to the call.

That stretch of County Avenue near Washington Hook & Ladder has been officially re-named in Bo’s honor.

"The Koenemund family had nearly 225 combined yeasr of service to the Secaucus Fire Department, and Bo’s 39 years left an impact felt for generations," said the Secaucus Fire Department in a statement. "We are honored to help persevere his legacy for the next generation."

Koenemund was a member of Washington Hook & Ladder Co. #1 for 39 years as a firefighter, secretary, lieutenant and captain. Beyond his own service, the Koenemund family has contributed over 225 combined years to the Secaucus volunteer fire department and other towns — a legacy that continues today through his son, former Chief William E. Koenemund and his granddaughter, Lieutenant Julia Koenemund of the Paramus Fire Department.

The Secaucus Fire Dept. said:

"We extend our sincere gratitude to Mayor and Fire Chief Michael Gonnelli, the Secaucus Town Council, Fire Chief Lawrence Marciano, Ex-Chiefs George Heflich Sr. and Raymond Cieciuch, Lt. Donald Cieciuch, Father Victor Kennedy, Malessa De La Cruz, the Secaucus Fire Department Honor Guard, our officers and members, and everyone who helped make the day so meaningful. Most of all, thank you to the Koenemund family for allowing us to honor Bo in this way. It was a beautiful day of reflection and tribute — a reminder of the sacrifice, leadership and dedication that define the Secaucus Fire Department."