'Great Sadness:' Beloved Fire Chief Killed In NJ Highway Crash

NEW JERSEY – Anthony Jackson drove a truck, but he is most remembered for being one of New Jersey's bravest.

He was also a mentor to many, and it showed in the many tributes paid to him on social media (see below).

Now fire companies from throughout the state are remembering the beloved fire chief after he was killed in a horrible New Jersey highway crash this week.

"It is with great sadness that the Pedricktown Fire Company announces the passing of lifelong member and mentor Anthony V. Jackson," his fire company said. "Obituary and service information will be posted here in the coming days as arrangements are made."

His step-son, Alan Goldberg, said Jackson was a great veteran, chief of the Pedricktown Fire Department and a veteran EMS member.

"But beyond that, (he was) a great husband for over 26 years,: Goldberg said. "Please have your prayers and thoughts ... go out to my stepfather, Anthony Jackson and mother Arlene Jackson."

Jackson, 60, of Pedricktown was killed in a fatal two-vehicle crash that happened on the New Jersey Turnpike on Tuesday morning, tying up traffic for miles, police said.

Jackson was pronounced dead at the scene following the southbound side crash involving an overturned tractor-trailer and an SUV, police said.

The crash happened at about 3:45 a.m. near milepost 80.9, police said.

The accident happened when a Peterbilt tanker truck ran off the left side of the highway, struck a guardrail and flipped, police said.

A Jeep then struck the truck. Jackson, the driver of the truck, was killed, police said.

Here are tributes to Jackson: