SOUTH AMBOY, N.J. — A 70-year-old firefighter collapsed and died while operating at a fire scene Wednesday morning.
FirefighterCloseCalls reported that Gerald “Bear” Celecki collapsed after responding to a fire call for the smell of gas at a house around the corner from his home. Firefighters found Celecki lying face down on the ground near the scene and immediately came to his aid.
Paramedics took him to a hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Celecki served as a volunteer at the Perth Amboy (N.J.) Fire Department before moving to South Amboy and becoming a firefighter there. He was a 50-year fire service veteran.
He also served as a fire police officer for Middlesex County, N.J.
Funeral arrangements are pending and we will update you once more information becomes available.