Biographical Info

Age: 76

Additional Info: Walsh had been with the Keansburg Fire Department for 54 years.

Incident Details

Cause of Death: Walsh was struck and killed by a drunk driver while directing traffic.

Date of Incident: August 17, 2005

Suspect Info: The suspect, Kristina Gogger, 26-years-old of South Amboy, has been charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and failure to use due caution for the safety of a pedestrian in a roadway. She could also face additional charges such as vehicular homicide.

By Justin Vellucci, Ashbury Park Press

KEANSBURG, N.J. — For more than half a century, volunteer firefighter Joseph F. Walsh served his hometown.

It was in such service that he died early Thursday morning, after being struck by a drunken driver while directing traffic following a minor chemical spill at Keansburg High School the night before, authorities said. He was 76.

Kristina Gogger, the 26-year-old South Amboy resident who police say struck Walsh at 8:47 p.m. Wednesday on Port Monmouth Road, has been charged with driving while intoxicated, reckless driving and failure to use due caution for the safety of a pedestrian in a roadway, Deputy Chief James K. Pigott said. She was released on her own recognizance.

For full story, visit: Car hits and kills 54-year fireman