By Jackie Roman
nj.com
NEWARK, N.J. — Mourners convened at Cathedral Basilica Roman Catholic Church on Thursday to attend the viewing of fallen Newark firefighter Wayne “Bear” Brooks Jr.
Brooks Jr., 49, and fellow firefighter Augusto Acabou, 45, were killed July 5 after they were trapped in a fire that broke out aboard the Grande Costa D’Avorio, a cargo ship carrying vehicles that was docked at Port Newark.
The funeral services for Acabou were held earlier Thursday at the Newark church.
Family and friends described Brooks as patient, strong, and committed to helping others.
“He was called Bear for a reason, he was wild strong,” firefighter John Williams said last week, from Brooks Jr.’s home.
Brooks had 16 years of service and was from Ladder 4 Tour 1. Acabou had nearly 10 years of service and was a member of Engine 16 Tour 1, according to city officials.
In a statement, the Newark Firefighters Union called Acabou and Brooks brave brothers who are being mourned by fellow firefighters and the community.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of support the community has extended to Newark firefighters,” the statement said.
“Just as we have always been there for the people of Newark in their time of need, you are here for us in our time of need. We will honor the sacrifice of Augie and Bear by continuing to do the job they loved, so if the people of Newark need help, we are still a phone call away,” the statement said.
Funeral services for Brooks Jr. will held at 10 a.m. Friday at Cathedral Basilica Roman Catholic Church. Dignitaries from federal, state, and county public safety agencies, local municipalities, and the city of Newark are invited to attend.
There will be street closures in Newark as a result of the funeral services. The following streets will be closed from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday and Friday:
- Clifton Avenue, between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
- Mt. Prospect Avenue, between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
- Victoria Avenue, between Garside Street and Ridge Street
- Ridge Street, between Victoria Street and Park Avenue
- Victoria Avenue, between Garside Street to Stone Street
- Cutler Street, between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
- Stone Street, between Park Avenue and 7th Avenue
- Crane Street, between Summer Avenue and Cutler Street
Drivers are advised to anticipate delays and to plan alternate routes.
On Tuesday, officials announced the deadly shipboard fire in Port Newark was finally extinguished. The U.S Coast Guard is now conducting a multi-agency investigation into the blaze.
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