Longtime Lanoka Harbor Fire Co. Member, Former Chief Dies

LACEY, NJ — The Lanoka Harbor Volunteer Fire Company announced Tuesday the death of Chief John Szafranski III. Szafranski held several executive and line-officer positions, ultimately serving as chief from 1996-97 and 2016-19.

"Chief Szafranski was always a voice of reason, a wealth of knowledge, a mentor and someone that anyone could and would confide in," the Lanoka Harbor Fire Department announced on its Facebook page.

Szafranski was instrumental in starting LHFD's Junior Firefighter program and Fire Prevention program. He also served on several committees and instructed at the Ocean County Fire Academy.

A viewing will take place from 3-7 p.m. Monday at the Riggs Funeral Home in Forked River with a fireman's service at 6 p.m. His funeral is set for 10 a.m. Tuesday at St Pius Church in Forked River.

Several people who knew or worked with Szafranski offered kind words on LHFD's Facebook post.

"This is so disappointing, the times him and I talked he showed nothing but respect for me," said one commenter. "He was up there at the podium with me when I spoke at Danny’s funeral and was nothing but supportive that day. I’ll never forget when he met with me with Jack in the funeral home and talked to me trying to boost my spirit."

"If you were lucky enough to work under Chief John Szafranski, you were lucky enough," another person said. "Truly one of the greatest guys."

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