Fireman’s Funeral
Former
Hasbrouck Heights Fire Chief Artie Knobloch passed on November
18, 2006.
During visitation at Costa Memorial Home on the evening of
November 21st, firefighters from area departments paid their
last respects in full dress uniform. Members of the Heights
Fire Department were posted throughout and the Heights Honor
Guard was posted at the casket during viewing hours. A brief
service was conducted by Fire Department Chaplain Rev. Joseph
Pickard.
Ladder trucks from Wallington and Hasbrouck Heights were at
the entrance, with Artie’s turnout-gear, “HHFD
9” displayed between them. Additionally, fire trucks
from Hasbrouck Heights, Lodi, and Moonachie lined The Boulevard
and Central Avenue.
At noon, November 22nd, formal services were held at Costa
Memorial Home. The Department marched into the funeral home
and services were led by Rev. Joseph Pickard.
The Boulevard was closed for the final tribute. At the conclusion,
the Hasbrouck Heights Honor Guard, and two Ladder Company
members carrying ceremonial fire axes, preceded the American
Flag-draped casket exiting the funeral home. As a firefighter’s
tribute, pager tones “for his final call” were
broadcast at this time. The Department made their final hand
salute while Pipe Sergeant Eamonn Radburn of the Bergen County
Fire Fighter Pipe Band, played the bagpipes.
The casket was laid atop River Edge Company 2, white, 1962
Seagrave 900B model that was recently retired after 44 years
of active service. Flowers were placed on the Heights Ladder
Truck. The funeral procession was led by the Fire Chief’s
SUV, Heights Ladder Truck, Wallington Ladder Truck 201, Heights
Engine Two, Heights Heavy Rescue, Heights Engine One, Moonachie
Engine No. 1 (retired), the River Edge Seagrave with casket,
the family, and both Heights Ambulances.Hasbrouck Heights
Police Department provided escort services.
The procession proceeded up The Boulevard to the Firemen’s
Memorial at The Circle, returned down The Boulevard to Hamilton
to pass the firehouse. As the procession passed the firehouse,
the giant doors were closed as a final gesture.
Arthur H. Knobloch is survived by his wife Cathy, daughter
Jennifer M., son Robert A. and his wife Gail and granddaughter
Kaitlyn Marie. He was the cherished son of the late Arthur
H. and Rose M. Knobloch, son-in-law of Theresa B. Gualtieri
of CT, loving step grandfather of Chris, Jenn and Lisa; brother-in-law
of Lisa and Jim Boff and Edward L. Pray, all of CT; uncle
of Laura and Leah. Memorial contributions to the Hasbrouck
Heights Fire Department (248 Hamilton Avenue) or the NJ Metro
Fire Photographers Association, PO Box 288, Hasbrouck Heights,
07604, would be appreciated. ###
###
Farewell Chief Artie Knobloch
On November 22, 2006, the Hasbrouck Heights Fire Department
buried one of its own with great dignity. Former Chief Arthur
“Artie” Knobloch, had been a firefighter for 27
years, two in Wallington and twenty-five in Hasbrouck Heights.
He was a much loved and respected part of our community and
will be sorely missed.
Artie Knobloch (See The Gazette, January 2006) was born and
raised in Cliffside Park.
While living in Cliffside Park, he met Cathy, his wife of
34 years. They moved to Wallington to raise their children,
Robert and Jennifer. The Chief said, “I got involved
in the Department while I was living in Wallington, through
my neighbors who were involved in the Department. I found
it a way of helping people in the town.”
In his twenty-five years on the Department in Hasbrouck Heights,
Chief Knobloch had served as both Lieutenant and Captain of
the Ambulance and Lieutenant and Captain of the Hook and Ladder,
then as Second Assistant Chief, First Assistant Chief and
then as Fire Chief. During his time serving on the Department,
the Chief also worked full time as an electrician in Local
164. He was also a Veteran of the Vietnam War serving in the
U.S. Army’s 9th Infantry Division. He was a former fire
inspector and the past President of the South Bergen Zone
2 Chiefs Association.
The Chief was a founding member of the New Jersey Metro Fire
Photographers Association formed in 1985. The Chief had 300
pictures published and, in 2005, was named Vice-President,
for a second time.
The Chief collected antique fire engines that had been used
in several movies. One of the antique fire trucks was “old”
HHFD Engine One (a 1958 B-Model Mack) that was in our town
Christmas Parade for many years.
The Chief’s love of firefighting was passed down to
his children, Robert, who served as Captain of our town’s
Rescue Squad and his daughter, Jennifer, a former member of
our Ambulance Squad.
Artie, you were a gentleman, a dad and one hell of a fireman
and we were lucky to have you as a member. We will miss you
at every call we make. By Justin Watrel ###
