Former Madison Fire Chief Passes Away At 92

MADISON, NJ — Former Madison Fire Chief William G. Prentiss passed away shortly before his 92nd birthday.

Known as Bill, Prentiss was born and raised in Morristown. After graduating from Morristown High School, Prentiss served in the Navy during World War II.

According to an obituary shared by the Borough of Madison:

Bill joined the Madison Hook and Ladder Company in 1960 as a Volunteer, where later he was hired as a full time firefighter in 1962, made the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in 1972, promoted to Captain on May 14, 1973, and promoted to Chief on May 1, 1986. He retired as Chief on June 20, 1989.

During his fire career, he was a charter member of Madison FMBA Local #74. He achieved life membership status in both the Madison Hook and Ladder Company and NJ Fireman’s Relief Association and remained active through 2016. He was also a member of the NJ State Fireman's Exempt Association.

Bill became a Member of the Morris County Firefighters Training Academy's Board of Directors in 1988. He served as their treasurer from 1991 to 2004 and remained a member of the board until his passing as a life member. He was also a member of the Morris County Fire Chief’s Association.

In his retirement, Prentiss enjoyed playing golf and would often make trips around the East Coast to visit new courses.

Prentiss is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen; his daughter, Kathy and her husband, Scott Ross; his grandson, Matt and his wife, Misty; and granddaughter, Erin Ross and her husband, Peter Hershberg; and his three great grandchildren Brennan, Molly, and Liam.

According to the Borough of Madison, visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 24th from 4-7 p.m. at Burroughs, Kohr & Dangler Funeral Home (106 Main Street). A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 on May 25th at St. Vincent Martyr Church (26 Green Village Road).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Madison Fire Dept. and Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corp.

Image via Shutterstock, The Borough Of Madison

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