The Monsey community continues to mourn the petirah of Hugh (Chaim) Jacobson Z”L, the longtime First Assistant Chief of the Monsey Fire Department’s Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1, who was niftar on Erev Shabbos after a lengthy illness at the age of 46. Following an emotional levayah in Monsey and a kevurah in Eretz Yisroel, family, friends, firefighters, emergency responders, elected officials, and community members are reflecting on the remarkable legacy of a man whose nearly three decades of selfless service touched countless lives.

Jacobson joined the Monsey Fire Department approximately 28 years ago, following in the footsteps of his late father, who also served as a longtime member of the department. Throughout his years of service, he rose through the ranks as Lieutenant, Captain, Chief, and later First Assistant Chief, the position he held until his petirah. In every role, he earned the admiration and respect of fellow firefighters and the community he faithfully served.

Known throughout the department by his radio designation “7-2,” Chief Jacobson was respected for his calm leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to firefighter safety. Fellow firefighters recall a leader who never sought recognition, but instead focused on ensuring both the residents he served and the firefighters under his command returned home safely after every emergency call.

Beyond responding to emergencies, Jacobson played a major role in helping shape the modern Monsey Fire Department. Working alongside fellow chiefs, firefighters, and Fire Commissioners, he helped strengthen training, improve safety standards, modernize operations, and ensure the department remained prepared to meet the needs of Monsey’s rapidly growing community.

A lifelong Monsey resident, Jacobson attended Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Suffern before graduating from the Torah Academy of Bergen County. Those who knew him describe a man of exceptional middos who viewed volunteer service as a true calling. He often spoke about the unique brotherhood within Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1 and took great pride in the unity among its members, where firefighters from all backgrounds worked together with one shared mission: protecting the community.

Hundreds gathered Friday afternoon at Kehillas Sha’ar HaShamayim in Wesley Hills for the levayah before accompanying the aron to the Grove Street firehouse, where Monsey firefighters rendered full departmental honors to their fallen chief. A final radio call, the traditional ringing of the fire bell, and an emotional farewell by fellow firefighters served as a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated much of his life to protecting others.

Following Shabbos, the aron was flown to Eretz Yisroel, where the kevurah took place, bringing to a close a final journey marked by extraordinary respect and appreciation from both the emergency services community and the public he faithfully served.

The overwhelming turnout throughout the levayah and procession underscored the profound impact Chief Jacobson had across Rockland County. Fire departments from throughout the region, together with 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 stood shoulder to shoulder with family and friends to pay their final respects.

Chief Hugh (Chaim) Jacobson Z”L leaves behind far more than an impressive record of public service. He leaves behind a stronger fire department, a safer community, and a legacy of quiet leadership, humility, and mesirus nefesh that will continue to inspire firefighters, first responders, and community members for generations to come.

Yehi Zichro Baruch.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)