The Monsey community is mourning the passing of Hugh (Chaim) Jacobson, First Assistant Chief of the Monsey Fire Department's Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1, who died Thursday following a battle with cancer. He was 46.
Jacobson served as second in command of the department, known in local radio communications by the call sign "7-2." He devoted nearly three decades to the Monsey Fire Department, joining approximately 28 years ago after being inspired by his late father, who was also a longtime member of the department. Over the course of his service, he rose through the ranks as Lieutenant, Captain, Second Assistant Chief, and First Assistant Chief, and he previously served a term as Chief of the Department.
A lifelong Monsey resident, Jacobson attended Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Suffern for elementary school before graduating from the Torah Academy of Bergen County. He was widely known for his calm leadership style, his emphasis on firefighter safety, and his dedication to protecting Monsey residents, often speaking about the weight of responsibility that came with leading firefighters into dangerous situations while ensuring every member returned home safely.
Jacobson took particular pride in the diversity and unity within Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1, frequently noting how firefighters from different backgrounds worked together as one family in service of the community. He was featured in a national webinar on firefighter recruitment and retention, where he discussed the department's approach to maintaining a well staffed and highly trained volunteer force. He is survived by his wife and four children, along with a large extended family and his department family.
The levaya will take place Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Kehillas Sha'ar HaShamayim, led by Rabbi Viener, located at 71 East Willow Tree Road in Spring Valley. Following the levaya, a procession will travel to the Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1 firehouse on Grove Street to honor Chief Jacobson's decades of service. The aron will then be brought to the Tahara Shteibel in New Square, where it will remain until Motzei Shabbos before being flown to Eretz Yisroel for kevurah.
Baruch Dayan HaEmes.
