LAKEWOOD, NJ - The New Jersey Forest Fire Service has officially taken the Lakewood (Ocean County) NJ, Forest Fire lookout tower out of service, effective July 5th. The land under the tower was sold, and the new owner has not renewed a new lease. The tower will be demolished soon. This tower, which happens to be one of the oldest in New Jersey, was erected and placed into service in 1944. It had been one of the busiest towers in the state. It covered sections B8, B9, B7, some or B10, B6, and B5, including areas in Ocean, Burlington, Monmouth, and even Middlesex counties. During World War 2, US military officials were reportedly using the Lakewood Tower to listen for German U Boat communications. A new forest fire lookout tower is planned to be constructed at the Forest Resource Center in Jackson, and will be named Veterans Tower to honor all of our Veterans!