07/04/2026
The Officers and Members of the Tallman Volunteer Fire Department are saddened by the passing of Monsey Fire Department Chief Hugh (Chaim) Jacobson 7-2. We send our condolences to his family and members of the Monsey Fire Department’s Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1
Rest easy Chief
BDE: Monsey Mourns the Petira of Active Monsey Fire Chief Hugh (Chaim) Jacobson
The Monsey community is mourning the petira of Hugh (Chaim) Jacobson, a longtime member and active First Assistant Chief (“7-2”), the second-in-command of the Monsey Fire Department’s Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1, following a lengthy battle with a serious illness at the age of 46.
Jacobson devoted nearly three decades of his life to the Monsey Fire Department, joining the department approximately 28 years ago after being inspired by his late father, who was also a longtime member. Throughout his years of service, he rose through the ranks, serving as Lieutenant, Captain, Second Assistant Chief, and First Assistant Chief, earning the respect of fellow firefighters and the community he faithfully served.
A lifelong Monsey resident, Jacobson attended Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim in Suffern for elementary school before graduating from the Torah Academy of Bergen County. He often spoke about his deep love for the Monsey community and his commitment to giving back through volunteer service, a value instilled in him by his father.
As an officer, Jacobson was known for his calm leadership, dedication to firefighter safety, and unwavering commitment to protecting residents. He frequently spoke of the responsibility that came with leading firefighters into dangerous situations, balancing aggressive firefighting with ensuring every member returned home safely.
Jacobson also took great pride in the diversity and unity within Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1, often noting how firefighters from all backgrounds worked together as one family in service of the community.
His petira leaves a tremendous void within the Monsey Fire Department and throughout the community he served with distinction for so many years.
Monsey Scoop will publish levaya details once it becomes available to us.
Baruch Dayan HaEmes.
