JACKSON, NJ — August 8 — The Jackson fire service is grieving the passing of retired Lieutenant John T.Schoch, who passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 8, 2026.He was 65 years old.

Schoch had a long involvement with the fire service and worked with Jackson Fire District No.

3, which is based at 200 Kierych Memorial Drive in Jackson, New Jersey.The district is a combined department that includes both career and volunteer firefighters.

Prior to his time with Jackson Fire District No.

3, Schoch was a member of Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company No.1, Station 55.Station 55's official records note that Schoch was an honorary life member and served as the company's past president in 1992.

Schoch's career with the Jackson fire service was acknowledged when he retired as a lieutenant.

A 2016 report on his retirement mentioned that he was retiring after 25 years of service to Jackson.

His ties to the community continued even after he retired.

According to his obituary, Schoch was born in Neptune and lived in Jackson for several years before moving to North Hanover, where he resided for about 26 years.The obituary described him as having spent most of his life serving his community as a volunteer.

For those in the fire service, a career that spans both volunteer and career roles shows a dedicated commitment to the people and organizations they serve.

Schoch's time with Station 55 and later with Jackson Fire District No.3 connected him to both parts of Jackson's fire protection system.

Jackson Fire District No.

3 still operates as a combination department, with career firefighters providing ongoing staffing and volunteer members helping with emergency response and operations.The district also works with Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Company No.1 to provide more firefighters and equipment.

Following Schoch's death, a memorial gathering was held on August 22 at Oliverie Funeral Home in Jackson.

The visitation took place from 4 to 8 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m.

The funeral home is located at 125 South Cooks Bridge Road in Jackson, New Jersey.