The Lakewood Board of Fire Commissioners and Fire Chief Mike D’Elia Jr. are commending the Lakewood 2nd Assistant Fire Chief Steve Mulholland and his son Kyle for their quick, decisive and courageous actions this past Monday afternoon, July 3.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., Chief Mulholland and his son Kyle were traveling in their vehicle on Route 88 in Lakewood when they observed smoke emanating from the engine compartment of a van, equipped to transport the wheelchair bound, in the parking lot of Dunkin Donuts.

According to Chief D’Elia, “Chief Mulholland immediately assessed the situation, called for fire apparatus to respond, and with his son Kyle initiated the removal of the wheelchair bound occupants.” Chief D’Elia further noted: “the situation was complicated since the fire prevented the use of the vehicle’s hydraulic lift and as a result, Chief Mulholland and his son had to physically carry the occupants out of the vehicle to safety.”

An attempt was then made to extinguish the fire with assistance from Lakewood Police Officer Sean Ward and personnel from Dunkin Donuts utilizing fire extinguishers; however, the effort was unsuccessful and Chief Mulholland directed everyone away from the burning vehicle. Shortly thereafter, Lakewood Firefighters Bob Cook, Jim Ecks, Rob Leon and Jeremy Reyes arrived on the scene and expeditiously contained and extinguished the fire.

Chief Mulholland has been a dedicated and respected member of the Lakewood Fire Department since 2003. His attention to detail is impeccable and as stated by Lakewood Fire Captain Dave Wolf of Station 65: “it is an honor to serve with Chief Mulholland; he is an excellent example of what it means to be a firefighter and a leader.”

When not serving the Lakewood Fire Department, Chief Mulholland works at New Jersey City University as the Supervisor of Landscape and Grounds. Kyle Mulholland, 16 years old, is a Junior at Howell High School.

“Congratulations to both men on a job well done!”