Rob Jennings
NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J.
TRENTON, N.J. — The president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey died suddenly at his home Tuesday afternoon, the organization announced.
Dominick Marino, a retired firefighter, was 61 years old.
Details on how he died were not immediately available.
Gov. Phil Murphy said Marino “didn’t just run into burning buildings, he knocked down walls to protect his fellow firefighters.”
Marino was elected president of the Professional Firefighters Association of New Jersey in 2008. The organization represents more than 5,000 active and retired firefighters, EMS and support service members.
Murphy cited Marino’s advocacy for a new law in New Jersey providing additional services for first responders, including those who served on September 11, 2001.
“He put his heart and soul into everything he did for his members, and in doing so he exemplified everything you ever could want from a leader,” Murphy said.
Marino served for more than 25 years as a firefighter in the North Bergen Fire Department and North Hudson Regional Fire Rescue, retiring in 2011.
He is survived by his wife Ellen, three children, and two grandchildren.
Sens. Cory Booker and Bob Menendez released statements mourning the union leader’s passing. Booker called him a “true leader and champion for New Jersey firefighters,” and Menendez said he will “always appreciate and miss Dominick’s advice and counsel on some of the most pressing issues facing our first responders.”
———
©2020 NJ Advance Media Group, Edison, N.J.