Firefighter and Ex-Chief John J. RINALDI has responded to his Last Alarm. Ex-Chief RINALDI, a veteran of over 40 years in the Volunteer Firefighting Service passed away on Thursday, 8 January 2026. John was a member of three different Volunteer Fire Departments, Fort Lee, River Vale, and Old Tappan, during his firefighting career. During those years he served as a Fireman, Fire Officer up through the ranks to Chief of Department, and later as a "senior man" who shared his knowledge and experience with younger members of the Fire Service. Members of the three Fire Departments in which he served "turned out" to render honors as Firefighter RINALDI responded to his Last Alarm. An Honor Guard was posted by his casket during the viewing hours, his casket was placed upon a ceremonial fire engine and passed in review past the Quarters of both the River Vale and Old Tappan Volunteer Fire Departments. The apparatus bearing his casket paused in front of the Quarters of the Old Tappan Volunteer Fire Department as a Ceremonial Last Alarm was transmitted during which the Dispatcher intoned "Firefighter and Ex-Chief John J. RINALDI you stand relieved, we'll take it from here." 

?From left to right: "Turnout Gear symbolizing Ex-Chief RINALDI's Last Alarm response" "Honor Guard stands at attention awaiting passage of the funeral precession"