LODD: Young NJ firefighter dies responding to call

By FireRescue1 Staff

HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, N.J. — A young firefighter died Christmas morning while responding to a call.

ABC News reported that Mizpah Volunteer Fire Company firefighter Natalie Dempsey, 21, was on her way to a call when she apparently lost control of her vehicle and crashed into a guardrail, according to officials.

Dempsey’s colleagues found her vehicle after stopping to assist at the crash scene when returning from the fire to which Dempsey was responding.

Dempsey was vice president of the department, according to a Facebook post announcing her death.

"At this time the Mizpah Fire Company has to announce the passing of Firefighter/Vice President Natalie Dempsey," the department said. "Please keep her family in your prayers. We will keep you all updated on any funeral arrangements. This will be a funeral with full honors due to it being a line of duty passing."

Dempsey was described as a “vibrant” person who was “always smiling.” Fire Chief Jay Davenport said she had just received her Firefighter 1 certification and had also attended the police academy over the summer.