In New Jersey, September 2^nd, 1985, is known for the great Passaic Labor Day conflagration that consumed 17 occupied dwellings and destroyed about 60 business that occupied old, large commercial structures in this old, blue collar, city.  Some 2,200 people lost their jobs.        

Officials said the fire started in a metal container between two six-story factory buildings.  According to a report by Professor Glenn Corbett, that appeared in “Firehouse” magazine, the fire apparently started in the metal trash bin and flames spread from the bin to a wood loading dock and up six-stories to the eves of a brick building.  

The old mill structures along Eighth Street were broken down into space for smaller tenant businesses. These companies stored or produced a variety of products, including garments, chemicals and electronic components.  A chemical company stored 48 vats of napthalene in an alleyway next to its building.  The vats were stacked four abreast, piled to the second-floor level, and it contained an estimated 48,000 pounds of napthalene.  

The report added that it appeared two young boys tossed lighted matches into a container possessing large vats of napthalene stored against one of the factory walls.  Police “apprehended some youths,” at the scene shortly after the fire was reported. 

Mutual aid fire companies from several northern New Jersey counties were called to the scene of the growing fire.  This included Secaucus Ladder Co. 1.

Onboard the Secaucus truck was volunteer firefighter, and ex-captain, William “Bo” Koenemund, 65.  His son, William E., was the chauffeur.  According to a report by Fire Chief George Heflich, the truck company crew operated  ladder operations for some three-hours.  Area firefighters battled heavy fire and smoke with water pressure problems in the neighborhood, as flames jumped the street to additional commercial structures.

The senior Koenmund said he was tired and sat down to rest.  He later collapsed.  The firefighter was transported to Beth Israel Hospital where he was pronounced dead as the result of a heart attack.

On September 6^th, 2025, Secaucus and Passaic firefighters, town officials, police officers, family and friends assembled at Washington Hook & Ladder Co. 1's quarters, on County Avenue for a, “Gone But Never Forgotten,” memorial for ex-Captain William “Bo” Koenemund.   

Bo's son had served as a volunteer firefighter in Secaucus, Lodi, and currently in Paramus. He served as a chief of department for the Paramus V.F.D., and his daughter, Julia is a lieutenant with Paramus Company 4.  

The ceremony was emotional with several firefighters that worked with Bo, who can now be called “old timers,” spoke of their memories of the fallen hero.  

George Heflich, who was the chief in 1985, is still an active member of the fire department at the age of 87. You can still find him working the top-mounted pump panel on Engine 4 at fires.  Heflich said Bo would never say “No” to anyone who needed him.  Bo served with Washington Hook & Ladder in many rolls, including cook and captain.  

The highlight of the memorial was the corner street naming dedication in ex-Captain William “Bo” Koenmund's memory.

“He was known for his strength, dedication and for treating the firehouse as his second home,” said Lt. Donald Cieciuch.  “Bo embodied the values of service and brotherhood.”