Hightstown Engine Company # 1

10/12/2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Past Chief Lawrence "Wh**ey" Jones of Hightstown Engine Company No. 1.

Wh**ey was 85 years old and joined our fire department in 1962, giving an incredible 64 years of dedicated service to our department and community. Over those many years, Wh**ey served with great pride in many capacities, most notably as Chief. His commitment to the department never faded.

Wh**ey's dedication, knowledge, and many years of service have left a lasting mark on our department. We were fortunate to have him as part of our fire department family for so many years, and he will be dearly missed.

We extend our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to the Jones family, his loved ones, and all who served alongside him.

Services Information:
Visitation: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home (202 Stockton St, Hightstown, NJ)

Funeral Service: Thursday, October 15, 2026 | 11:00 AM at Barlow & Zimmer Funeral Home, followed by burial at Cedar Hill Cemetery

Rest in peace, Chief. We’ll take it from here.

View Lawrence K "Wh**ey" Jones's complete obituary, share memories, and explore 1 tribute posts from the community.

10/09/2026

Charge on a hard, flat surface like a table, desk, or floor. Beds, couches, and pillows can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause a battery to overheat.

10/08/2026

Stop using your device right away if the battery smells strange, is warm to the touch, makes popping noises, changes in shape or color, or if you see smoke. If it is safe, move the device away from anything that can catch fire. A damaged battery can overheat and start a fire.

10/07/2026

Use the cord and charger that came with your device or one approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

10/06/2026

Charge large items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside when possible. Do not block exits when charging. These batteries store more energy, and fires can grow quickly if they fail.

10/06/2026

Hightstown Engine Company #1 is teaming up with NFPA to promote this year’s Fire Prevention Week™, October 4-10, Charge into Fire Safety™: Safe Charging Is a Superpower. Help us spread the word that everyday actions can help prevent lithium-ion battery fires. Use your charging superpower by making smart choices every time you plug in. For more info: fpw.org.

10/02/2026

Hightstown Engine Company #1 Supports Fire Prevention Week!

Hightstown Engine Company #1 is teaming up with the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) to celebrate Fire Prevention Week, October 4–10, 2026.

This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” highlights simple steps everyone can take to safely charge and use today’s electronic devices. Safe charging starts with making smart choices every time you plug in.

As part of this year’s Fire Prevention Week activities, Hightstown Engine Company #1, in conjunction with the Hightstown Harvest Fair Committee, will host fire safety activities and educational information on:

📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Hightstown Harvest Fair

Stop by to learn more about fire safety, safe charging practices, and lithium-ion battery safety. Bring the family and learn how you can “Charge into Fire Safety!”

For more information about Fire Prevention Week , please contact Hightstown Engine Company #1.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and lithium-ion battery safety, visit fpw.org.

09/11/2026

Last night, members of Hightstown Engine Company #1 gathered to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Today, Firefighters Suk and VanKirk honored that legacy by completing a 2,200-step stair climb—representing the 110 stories of the World Trade Center—in memory of the 343 FDNY brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice 25 years ago today.

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to honor and remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001.

May we always honor their memory by holding onto the spirit of unity, resilience, and kindness that brought us together in the days that followed.

07/16/2026

The haze over Hightstown is the result of smoke from large wildfires burning in Canada. High-altitude winds have carried fine smoke particles hundreds of miles into New Jersey, reducing visibility and affecting air quality.

Residents, especially children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions, should consider limiting prolonged outdoor activity if smoke levels increase or if they experience symptoms such as coughing, sore throat, or difficulty breathing.

Stay informed by monitoring the Air Quality Index (AQI) and follow any health advisories issued by state and local officials. If you need to be outdoors for an extended period when air quality is poor, consider wearing a well-fitting N95 mask.

Please check on neighbors, family members, and others who may be more vulnerable to the effects of wildfire smoke.