Jimmy T. Heenan
Assistant Chief
Jimmy Heenan was born in Philadelphia and moved with his family to Verga when he was about 8 years old. He went through the West Deptford school system‚ graduating from West Deptford High School in 1981.
He completed training at Gloucester County Vocational School in Diesel and Auto Mechanical Studies. He worked as a dredge operator for ‘Weeks Dredging.’ Jim also attended Camden County College‚ taking many courses relating to firefighting.
Jim became involved in his teen years as a Junior Firefighter with the Verga Fire Company. He served in various offices in the company: Lieutenant‚ Captain‚ and Assistant Chief. He also helped with the Ambulance Squad at Verga. He was recognized in 1983 by the VFW for working with the Ambulance Squad.
GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Sadly, on March 25, 2001 Firefighter Heenan died from injuries sustained in the line of duty while fighting a house fire January 1st of the same year.
Dispatch information originally stated there were people trapped inside the West Deptford residence; however, it was later discovered that the two-story structure was empty. While searching for the victims inside the house, the floor collapsed beneath Jim and trapped him in the basement under burning debris for approximately twenty minutes. He was rescued by fellow firefighters but not before sustaining 3rd degree burns to 75% of his body.
Jimmy remained in the Chester-Crozer Burn Center for eighty-four days and underwent several surgeries before he passed away. Jim, an eighteen year Veteran Firefighter of the Verga Fire Comany #1, was thirty-seven years old and survived by his wife, Patti and two teenage sons, Jimmy and Michale. His heroism and sacrifice will never be forgotten. He will be greatly missed and his memory will live forever in our hearts.
