Pompton Lakes Firefighter Ken De Ritter Dies at 57

Haledon and Pompton Lakes firefighters are mourning the death of Ken De Ritter, a former Haledon Fire Department captain who continued his service with the Pompton Lakes Volunteer Fire Department after relocating to the borough. 

De Ritter died on October 5, 2026, at 57 years old, after a short cancer battle, as stated in his obituary. In October 1993, he became a member of the Haledon Fire Department and dedicated six years to that service before transferring to Pompton Lakes. He started as an active member of the Pompton Lakes Volunteer Fire Department in January 2000, staying with the group for a quarter of a century. 

De Ritter took pride in his fire service and was known for his commitment to responding when the pager sounded. His service connected two neighboring fire departments and the members who worked alongside him over the years.