Edison Fire Captain Richard Campbell Dies From Coronavirus

EDISON, NJ — A longtime Edison firefighter passed away Thursday morning to complications from COVID-19, the town of Edison announced in a statement. He was only 55 years old.

"The Edison Division of Fire is absolutely devastated to announce the passing of Captain Richard P. Campbell," said the Edison fire department.

Campbell died Thursday morning at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick from COVID-19 complications. He leaves behind his wife, Kimberly, four children: Kaitlin, Kevin, Kristopher, and Arianna, and many other family members and friends.

"Captain Campbell, also known as “RP” by many, began his career 28 years ago and was an altruistic leader who always put others first," said Edison Twp. "He had two main passions in life: family and the fire department. If you were fortunate to know RP, you would know that he was always 'on the go' either helping family members or the fire department."

In fact, just before he became ill with coronavirus, he responded to a fire at a local apartment complex.

A GoFundMe has been started for his family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/cap...

Edison Fire Captain Richard Schreck said, "RP was an important part of our community and he leaves behind friends, family and brother and sister firefighters that have asked how they can help his wife, Kimberly, and their four children, Kaitlin, Kevin, Kristopher and Arianna during this extraordinarily difficult time. We are trying to do what our friend would have done, and that's step up to lend support in any way possible."

Campbell's father was a firefighter for the Edison Fire Department; his brother, Steven, who just recently passed last year, was a firefighter in Elizabeth; his brother, Danny is a Deputy Chief in Elizabeth; and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Schreck, is a Captain of the Edison Police Department.

“We are truly saddened that one of ours has passed from this virus. RP was a dedicated firefighter, a tremendous family man, and a great friend. Our hearts go out to his family and all his brother and sister firefighters. The loss of Captain Campbell will be felt by many and it will be felt for a very long time," said Edison Fire Chief Brian Latham and Deputy Chief Andrew Toth.

Edison Mayor Thomas Lankey released the following statement: “Captain Campbell was a valued and respected member of our community and his dedication and commitment to serving the public was a guiding light for so many. The losses incurred as a result of this horrific virus are indescribable but I do know that Captain Campbell’s passing leaves us short a hero. He would never hesitate to rush towards danger to help those in need just as he never failed to mentor those he led. RP was a man dedicated to his family and I want them to know that our community mourns the passing of a great man today.”