It is with deepest sorrow that we report the sudden passing of Past Chief Alfred A. Stewart of West Milford Fire Company #6. Chief Stewart was 79, and still an active member of their department. Jefferson Township Fire Company #1 offer our deepest condolences to both the family of Chief Stewart and our brothers at Company #6 during these difficult and trying times. Rest easy Chief. We’ll take it from here.

From West Milford Page – alfred_stewart_lodd_patch-5820ab9d76e3a

A longtime West Milford Volunteer Fire Company #6 firefighter died while performing maintenance at the fire station Sunday.

Alfred A. Stewart, 79, stayed at the station for maintenance duties while crews left for a company drill.

When firefighters returned to the station just before 11 a.m. they found Stewart entangled in a fallen ladder, according to a statement from the U.S. Fire Administration.

Lifesaving measures were initiated, but Steward was pronounced dead soon after.

An autopsy is pending to determine the official cause of Stewart’s death.

Stewart served with West Milford Volunteer Fire Company #6 for 52 years. He was an ex-chief, an active fire inspector and former deputy fire commissioner.