On Monday, July 10, 2017 Collings Lakes Fire Department suddenly lost a long-time member of their department. The passing of Chief Edwin R. Jones was a shock to not only to the department, but to Buena Vista Township.
Chief Jones was a member of the Collings Lakes Fire Department for 40 years as well as an employee of New Jersey State Forest Fire Services where he worked as a maintenance mechanic. Ed was presently serving at Collings Lakes Fire Department as Deputy Chief, but has previously held the position of Chief and Commissioner.
He was a member of N.J. State Fireman’s Relief Association, the N.J. State Exempt Fireman’s Association, and the N.J. State Fire Chief’s Parade Judges Association. Ed or “Jonesy” as many of his friends and family members called him was much more than a Firefighter.
Aside from being an all-around “community man”, he was a husband and above all, a father. Ed’s son Andrew was the light of his life and made him proud every day with each breath he took. Not a day went by that Ed didn’t mention his son multiple times in multiple lights.
Ed’s second family, the Collings Lakes Fire Department will certainly miss that half grin, half smirk walking across the street gripping the radio to respond to a call. They will miss his laughter, his wise cracks and above all, his kindness and brotherhood.
His good advice, his positive spirits and his guidance will keep the men and women of CLFD safe day in and day out on the job. Buena Vista Township extends our condolences to his family, friends and the Collings Lakes Fire Department.
Article by Kristie Knapp
Mayor’s Administrative Secretary and Member of CLFD