Newark firefighters demand more training, personnel following deadly cargo ship fire

The cargo ship that went up in flames last week in Port Newark killing two of the city's firefighters has been put out, authorities announced Tuesday. Now, Newark Firefighters Union are demanding more training and firefighters in an effort to avoid another tragedy and increase public safety.

The union held a press conference Tuesday to discuss concerns about staffing and training affecting public safety in the city, calling for more training and for more firefighters to be hired.

Augusto Acabou, 45, and Wayne Brooks Jr., 49, were killed while fighting a massive fire that broke out aboard a cargo ship in Port Newark on Wednesday night.

During the press conference, the president of the Newark fire union said the number of staff in the department is very low and the city currently has 80 open positions for firefighters.

Officials said fire trucks are sent out to fight fires with an average of one captain and two firefighters, while the industry norm is double that number.

They say the equipment they use is outdated and not properly maintained, noting that a department fire launch was out of order last Wednesday while responding to the fire.

We have rigs older than firefighters riding them.

Newark Firefighters Union President Michael Giunta

"Our apparatus are unsafe, for instance, our large capacity fire boat wouldn't start the day of the fire. We have rigs older than firefighters riding them," Newark Firefighters Union President Michael Giunta said.

Union officials say Newark’s firefighting force has dropped below 400, from 600 in the year 2000. All this, while the Port of Newark ranks as the busiest on the East Coast.

They also ask that firefighters receive more training. Veteran Newark firefighters say despite having the responsibility of putting out cargo ship fires, their only training include reading paper memos left at the firehouses.

The city's mayor, Ras Baraka, refuted the union's claims, issuing a statement that read in part: "I find accusations of intentional understaffing and insufficient training of our public safety personnel very hurtful, and a personal affront to everything my administration and I stand for. I find the timing very questionable. I welcome all dialog that will clear up groundless misperceptions and advance the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day for the city they love. I especially look forward to constructive communication one on one with the union, removed from public forum, in addition to a press conference regarding all these matters after we lay these men to rest. Anything else is inappropriate.”

I find accusations of intentional understaffing and insufficient training of our public safety personnel very hurtful, and a personal affront to everything my administration and I stand for.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka

Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé also shared similar sentiments in his statement.

“I am honored that I can confidently attest that the Newark Fire Division is staffed by the best and brightest of men and women who are well-trained and equipped to safeguard the lives and property of our residents and visitors. And even in the face of such a devastating tragedy as the loss of our two fallen Firefighters, Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks, Jr., our fire personnel remains focused and vigilant to meet the daily needs of our great city," he said.

Fragé's statement went on to say: “I am disappointed that while our Firefighters are in the midst of grieving, we have to also entertain misleading information about the integrity of our Fire Division. I wholeheartedly question the timing of derogatory statements being made, which only detract from the healing process that the families and colleagues of our fallen heroes are working to embrace. Nevertheless, I stand with the proud members of the Newark Fire Division and applaud their resiliency and fortitude during this most challenging time.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Zeita Merchant said her department is "committed to implementing lessons learned so we do not repeat the tragedies we experienced here in Newark."

A COMMUNITY DEVASTATED

Two firehouses are in mourning in the East Ward of Newark after two of their own perished while fighting a massive fire that broke out aboard a cargo ship in Port Newark Wednesday night -- and continues to burn for more than 36 hours.

Acabou and Brooks had a spark that drew people in, but now their deaths have the City of Newark in deep mourning.

"This is like the ultimate, ultimate sacrifice," Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson said.

Firefighters draped mourning bunting outside the East Ward firehouses where Acabou and Brooks worked: Engine 16 on Ferry Street and Ladder 9 on Elm Street.

Acabou worked in Engine 16 for 10 years, where he was known as the firefighter who was destined to become captain. Brooks was with Ladder 9, where he had even more experience in the fire department.

"It's a tough loss for the community," Jason Torres, who manages a restaurant across the street from Ladder 9, said.

Torres saw Brooks, who everyone on the block lovingly called "Bear" on that same day Wednesday. The weight of the loss has not yet settled in, he said.

"It was always, 'Hey, good morning. How you doing?'" Torres said. "Very good guy."

Mayor Ras Baraka and other city dignitaries were seen at Acabou's Newark home to express their condolences and console his family, while his neighbors were still in shock.

"I feel sorry that he passed away trying to help in an emergency," John Alarcon said.

Funeral arrangements were announced Friday, with plans to lay Acabou and Brooks to rest scheduled for the following week at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart on Ridge Street in Newark.

Arrangements Augusto Acabou:

• July 12, 2023 - Viewing - 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
• July 13, 2023 - Funeral - 10 a.m. 

Arrangements Wayne Brooks Jr.:

• July 13, 2023 - Viewing - 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
• July 14, 2023 - Funeral - 10 a.m. 

'TAKEN AWAY FROM US WAY TOO SOON': FAMILIES, FIRE CREWS DEVASTATED OVER LOSS

The double loss has Newark firefighters reeling -- trying to process what happened.

"I just can't imagine what they were going through when they were lost and not able to come out," Newark Fire Dept. Capt. Jose Alves said.

The Newark Firefighters Union held a press conference Friday alongside family, friends and loved ones of Acabou and Brooks.

"We are a very close family...so I look at Wayne not just like my nephew, but he is like my son," Brooks's uncle Rodger Terry said during the emotional press conference. "It's been a very, very difficult day or so. No one has had much sleep. And together as a family we will try to make it through this terrible time."

Brooks' uncle went on to share how "Wayne wanted to be a firefighter all of his life," being first in his firefighter class and a tremendous athlete who was one of the top fencers in the state when he graduated from St. Benedict's Prep in Newark.

"A real-life superman -- an individual who cared about all kinds of people," Terry said of Brooks, adding through a quavering voice: "Our hearts are broken...Please, I ask everyone out there to continue to pray for the families of these two young men. We need a lot of prayer and uplifting."

Firefighter Michael Johnson, of Ladder 4, shared similar sentiments calling Brooks by his nickname.

"'Bear' was an amazing person," Johnson said through tears. "A great leader, great friend, great brother. Loved his family. Loved his job. It's a very tough time...he'll never be forgotten. He's touched everyone's lives."

Johnson went on to describe how much Brooks loved his wife, kids and job "more than anything."

Meanwhile, an emotional Capt. Greg Meehan, of Ladder 4, called Brooks "one of my guys."

"His name will be on our minds for the rest of our lives," he said. "There is not going to be a day when we will not remember "Bear." He is one of a kind. As far as Auggie, you are going to hear time and time again: upbeat, motivated, just a great individual. They were just taken away from us way too soon."

Carlos Henriques, Acabou's cousin, shared a statement from the Acabou family.

"In our grief, it is difficult to describe how deeply we love Auggie. He is our world and his untimely passing has left an unfathomable absence in our home," Henriques said. "Auggie's sense of honor was unparalleled...everything he did was about helping others -- going above and beyond for those in need."

Please, I ask everyone out there to continue to pray for the families of these two young men. We need a lot of prayer and uplifting.

Rodger Terry, Firefighter Wayne Brooks Jr.'s uncle

Henriques went on to say how Acabou maintained a special bond with a high school mentor -- an assistant football coach -- who was battling cancer, running errands and providing support for him. The family only learned about this selfless act this week.

"That was just the kind of person he was," Henriques said. "Someone who treated you like family...He was our hero."

Newark Firefighters Union Vice President Eddie Paulo, who grew up with Acabou, said that he "was tough as nails and sweet beyond belief."

Michael Giunta, president of the Newark Firefighters Union, went on to also say that just like Brooks, Acabou was very dedicated to his family -- a dedicated brother, uncle, and son who lived in the same house as his mother and father.

Paulo also stressed Acabou's love of family and friends.

"Auggie was all about the family," Paulo said. "Auggie, you could find him at any family cookout, any family affair. He would do everything he can to attend. Auggie was an amazing friend, an amazing colleague. The guy that walked away from any drama. That guy that brought a light to any somber moment."

Giunta extended gratitude to everyone who reached out to express their condolences from across the country and the world, including President Joe Biden, who Giunta said called the families of the fallen firefighters.

The tragedy has also prompted flags across New Jersey to be flown at half-staff in honor of Brooks and Acabou.

INFERNO RIPS THROUGH CARGO SHIP, CONTINUED BURNING FOR DAYS

Firefighters from Newark were dispatched to the docked vessel around 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 5, for a report of multiple vehicles on fire on board one of the cargo ships at the port, Newark Public Safety Director Fritz Fragé said.

The fire was visible from some distance away as smoke billowed up from the ship that has the capacity to hold around 5,000 cars.

According to Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson, the fire was found on the 10th floor of the ship where five or seven vehicles were fully engulfed. It quickly extended to the 11th and 12th floors.

Firefighters initially made an attempt to extinguish the fire but because of the intense heat, they were pushed back out of the area. It was at this time that two firefighters became lost while backing out, Rufus said.

Searches were subsequently made to find the two firefighters but the rest of the unit were unable to do so.

The fire became so intense that numerous rescue companies were called to assist, Rufus said during a press conference. He added that several specialized rescue companies throughout New Jersey and the state of New York had assisted with primary and secondary searches to try to locate the unaccounted-for firefighters, which were eventually found and removed from the structure.

"I just want the world to know that we just lost two of our best here in the city of Newark," Baraka said hours after the fire during a press conference to update the public on the matter. "Two of our bravest here in this city who without hesitation gave their lives and probably that morning didn't think they'd be fighting the fire on a ship of five thousand cars. Something they had not trained for. And would not return home that evening."

The fire continued to burn for days, finally being put out on Tuesday, according to U.S. Coast Guard officials.

In an update from the scene, Coast Guard and Port Authority officials say the ship’s manifest shows no electric cars on board, diffusing speculation that the fire was fueled by lithium ion batteries. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.