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.
The Levaya will take place Friday at 1:30 p.m. at Kehillas Sha’ar HaShamayim (Rabbi Viener) located at 71 E. Willow Tree Road, Spring Valley.
Following the levaya, a procession will travel to the Monsey Fire Department’s Brewer Fire Engine Company No. 1 firehouse on Grove Street to honor Chief Jacobson’s decades of dedicated 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.
So very sad.. He looks like a special man..
He looks like a good person that enjoyed helping others,
ברוך דין האמת…May he be rewarded for all the mesiras nefesh he showed for the Klal..
עולם חסד יבנה
He saved so many lives,
Helping so many people,
It’s sad that monsey community
lost such a valuable diamond,
Hashem yisburach should bless
His נשמה should arrive to the right
Place in גן עדן,
Such a loss for the monsey community. He was an edel person …much respected.
Condolences to the family and the brewer fire engine company, god bless 7-1
May his. Memory be a Blessing for his wife and children and for the entire Monsey Fire Department Family.
A very learned man. Beautiful middos. Somehow the best seem to go quickest. May he be a mailitz yosher.