Fire chief gave town 35 years of service
Former volunteer firefighter who became career chief dies at 64
BY MICHAEL ACKER Staff Writer
Friends, family and residents of Monroe Township as a whole are mourning the loss of a longtime fire chief who dedicated himself to his community for 35 years.

James J. Beebe, chief and administrator for Monroe Township Fire District 3, died Saturday at Saint Peter's University Hospital in New Brunswick. He was 64. A statement from the fire department indicates that he died from complications related to an illness.

District 3 Lt. Kenneth J. Volkmann said Beebe was a dedicated member of the fire department.

"Chief Beebe had diligently given every ounce of his life to the fire service, and especially the Central Monroe Fire Department, which is the Charter Department of Monroe Township Fire District Three," Volkmann said.

Born in Staten Island, N.Y., Beebe enlisted in the Marine Corps and served from 1961-66, including two tours as a combat engineer in Vietnam.

Beebe moved to Monroe and joined the Central Monroe Volunteer Fire Department in 1973. He achieved all volunteer ranks on the administrative and operational side until he became chief in 1979. During his time as a volunteer, Beebe worked for Con Edison in Staten Island for 27 years, retiring in 1999.

Capt. Raymond Lebrun of Fire District 3 said Beebe devoted himself to the community since beginning his service in 1973.

"I have known him since that time period," Lebrun said. "I was a junior volunteer firefighter. We basically worked hand in hand.…He was very dedicated to the department."

Beebe worked to have a bureau of fire prevention set up and served as an assistant to the bureau, which conducts inspections of buildings to ensure safety issues and correct violations.

"He was a big part of getting the bureau of fire prevention started," Lebrun said.

Beebe was appointed career fire chief in 2000 when the volunteer department grew into a fully paid fire district. Beebe was recognized as being instrumental in making this transition.

His accomplishments over the years resulted in four local fire district awards - a military service award in 2003, a 2004 volunteer service award, a 30-year longevity award in 2006, and a 2006 commissioners award for his dedication to getting the district's new firehouse constructed at 16 Centre Drive.

At the Township Council meeting Monday, officials praised Beebe for his contribution to the community.

"Jim Beebe represented everything that was good about service in your community," Mayor Richard Pucci said. "He's going to be certainly missed. He was a great person in Monroe who served us well."

Township Engineer Ernie Feist, who is also director of emergency management in Monroe, described Beebe as an asset to the community. Councilman Henry Miller said Beebe is a significant example of volunteerism in the township.

"He was a fine man, and he was probably the best example we have of people volunteering their services in the community," Miller said.

Beebe is survived by his wife of 39 years, Valerie; his son Kevin and daugherin lawMorgan, of Bordentown; his daughter Stephanie Carrara and son-in-law Timothy, of Jackson Township. In addition, Beebe has three grandchildren - Jackson, Avery and Drew Carrara.

Services were held yesterday at De- Marco's Funeral Home on Rhode Hall Road, and the funeral was scheduled for today at 10 a.m. at Saint James Church, Jamesburg. The funeral was expected to include participation by fire officials, who will give a full honors fire department funeral. A military burial was to take place at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Cemetery on Provinceline Road in North Hanover.