About Us
The James D’heron Memorial Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit 501(3)c organization, whose mission is to support the burn community. All management, operations, administration and event planning are run by a group of un-paid volunteers. What we do would not be possible without generous donations from our friends, businesses, restaurants and corporations.
If you would like to make a donation to support our mission, please mail to:
The James D’heron Memorial Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 5115, New Brunswick, NJ 08903
Or go to DONATE and make a safe online donation!
9.3.04:
On September 3, 2004 Deputy Chief James D’heron and members of the NB Fire Dept were dispatched to a fire in a multiple-family residence. DC D’heron arrived first, reported a working fire, and took command. Not seeing any occupants outside or leaving the structure, he entered the structure to alert residents of the fire. DC D’heron was not wearing any personal protective clothing or equipment. DC D’heron was banging on doors to alert the residents of the fire when an explosion occurred.
DC D’heron was mortally burned in the explosion and ensuing fire. Arriving firefighters found him on the second floor landing and removed him from the structure. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A homeless man who slept in the hallway of the building caused the fire. The man discarded a cigarette near some plastic shower curtains and a plastic container of gasoline. The curtains and the gasoline ignited, producing sufficient heat to cause 3 nearby propane cylinders to vent their contents. The accumulated gas is the source of the explosion that killed Deputy Chief D’heron.
Jimmy:
James J. D’heron – New Brunswick (b. 1953 – d. 2004)
Jimmy was sworn into the New Brunswick Fire Department in January 1980, promoted to Captain in 1994, and promoted to Deputy Chief in 2001. Jimmy received numerous citations during his career, and awards from both the NJ State FMBA and the St. Barnabas Burn Center. He was a career firefighter for 24 years. He was the President of New Brunswick Fire Department Firefighters FMBA Local 17 & Fire Officers FMBA Local 217. Jimmy was also the State Executive Delegate for Fire Officers Local 217.
Jimmy was a fantastic husband, father and grandfather. His favorite pastimes were golfing and surfing. Jimmy was a force to be reckoned with, the more something challenged him the better. He was a true friend, and humble human being. He loved his life, and let everyone know how great it was! Jimmy was a great man, a skilled leader and a firefighter’s firefighter. Jimmy’s family and friends will never forget him. He was loved, and will continue to be loved by many.
