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Remembering
Kevin A. Apuzzio
East Franklin Volunteer Fire Department — New Jersey
Classification: Volunteer
Rank: Foreman
Date of Death: April 11, 2006
Age: 21
Kevin was the type of person who walked
into a room, and it lit up. He commanded
the attention of all around
him with his quick wit, his charm,
and his smile. Kevin had the
personality that put people at
ease, whether they knew him
for ten years or ten minutes.
He loved to tell elaborate
stories about the adventures
that he had each and
every day, because Kevin
turned everything into
an adventure. So he’d sit
you down and describe
his ridiculous day, and by
the end of the story, you’d
both be laughing with
tears running down your
face, and you would realize
that you had just made a new
best friend.
Kevin started his emergency services
career at the age of 16. When
most people his age are more concerned
with video games, Kevin chose to devote his free
time helping his community of Union, NJ. He joined
the Union Emergency Medical Unit, and that started
his passion for helping others. After he graduated
from high school, Kevin moved to New Brunswick
and started his college education at Rutgers University,
studying Criminal Justice. While at Rutgers, he took
the job as per diem Emergency Medical Technician.
Kevin wanted to expand his knowledge of emergency
services, so he joined the East Franklin Volunteer Fire
Company. He went to fire school and obtained his
Firefighter I certification. Kevin quickly made
friends in the firehouse and went to as
many fires as he could to gain more
experience. He became part of a
small group that would stay at
the firehouse all night so that,
if there was a call, an engine
could be on the road as
quickly as possible. In 2006,
he was recognized for his
efforts and promoted to
Foreman. Kevin was also
a certified CPR instructor
and enjoyed teaching people
how they, too, can save
lives. Kevin actively participated
in anything that
would benefit the community.
Emergency Services
was Kevin’s passion and what
he devoted his life to.
After college, Kevin was thinking
about becoming a New York
City police officer. He had already
taken the exam and was awaiting the
results of his test. Kevin died in the line of
duty on April 11, 2006, while attempting to rescue
a trapped resident from her burning home.
His test result came the same day that he died. He
had achieved almost a perfect score on the written
exam—a 99.6%.
Kevin left a legacy with all those he touched. He
taught us the importance of volunteering, the importance
of family and friends. He was a talented, passionate,
and selfless young man. We are all blessed to
have known him.