Former Lakewood Fire Department Chief Richard “Dick” Wallace has passed away today following a brief illness, officials confirmed to TLS.

Chief Wallace joined the Lakewood Fire Department in 1963 as a volunteer and was among the original career firefighters of the Lakewood Fire District (Badge 101), rotating shifts on an every-other or every-third day basis, and continued to volunteer with the department while off duty.

Before joining the fire department, Wallace served in the United States Air Force.

Over the years, he rose through the ranks, serving in every position within Volunteer Engine Company #1 before becoming Chief of Department, a position he held for several years.

Chief Wallace was widely respected throughout the New Jersey fire service and also served with the New Jersey Forest Fire Service as a Fire Warden.

Funeral service information will be shared as it becomes available.