Hundreds of mourners, firefighters, emergency responders, elected officials, family members, and friends gathered Friday to pay their final respects to Active Monsey Fire Department First Assistant Chief Hugh (Chaim) Jacobson, whose petira at the age of 46 has left an immeasurable void throughout the Monsey community and beyond.

For nearly three decades, Chief Jacobson devoted his life to protecting the residents of Monsey and Rockland County. More than just a firefighter, he was a visionary leader whose dedication helped transform the Monsey Fire Department into one of the premier volunteer fire departments in Rockland County. Working closely with the Monsey Fire Commissioners, fellow chiefs, and firefighters, he played a pivotal role in modernizing operations, strengthening firefighter training, improving safety standards, and ensuring the department remained prepared to meet the needs of Monsey’s rapidly growing community. His leadership and influence helped shape the department into what it is today, and the countless lives he touched will forever stand as part of his legacy.

The levaya took place Friday afternoon at Kehillas Sha’ar HaShamayim in Wesley Hills, where hundreds gathered to bid their final farewell. Following the hespedim, an emotional procession escorted the aron to the Monsey Fire Department’s Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1 on Grove Street. There, firefighters honored their fallen brother with a final radio call, the traditional ringing of the fire bell, and full fire department honors in recognition of his decades of dedicated service. The aron was then brought to the Tahara Shteibel in New Square, where it remained throughout Shabbos. On Motzei Shabbos, it was transported to JFK Airport and flown to Eretz Yisroel. The kevurah will take place Sunday evening at approximately 9:00PM at Eretz HaChaim Cemetery in Beit Shemesh.

Those who knew Chief Jacobson describe him as a humble, brilliant, and deeply respected individual whose leadership extended far beyond emergency scenes. Despite holding one of the department’s highest operational positions, he was known for his quiet demeanor, exceptional middos, and genuine care for every member of the department and every resident he served.

The overwhelming outpouring of grief reflected the profound impact Chief Jacobson had on countless lives. Fire departments from across Rockland County and beyond joined Chaverim of Rockland, Spring Hill EMS, Faist EMS, Ramapo Police, New Square Hatzoloh, New Square Ershte Hilf, Kiryas Joel Fire Department, and numerous other emergency agencies in honoring a man who dedicated his life to serving others. Community members described him as “a valuable diamond” who “saved so many lives and helped so many people,” while others remembered him as “an edel person… much respected,” “a very learned man with beautiful middos,” and expressed hope that he would be “a meilitz yosher” for Klal Yisroel. Many also extended heartfelt condolences to his family and the members of Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1, remembering the extraordinary mesirus nefesh he displayed throughout his years of service.

As Monsey bids farewell to one of its most beloved public servants, Chief Hugh (Chaim) Jacobson leaves behind far more than years of distinguished service. He leaves behind a safer community, a stronger fire department, and an example of selfless dedication that will continue to inspire firefighters and community members for generations to come.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.