A 57-year-old Elizabeth (N.J.) Firefighter who was reported to be functioning as an Acting Captain suffered extensive head and chest trauma when fire apparatus ran over him at about 0230 hours this morning. The 28-year veteran never regained consciousness and was killed in the line of Duty.

Acting Captain Gary Stephens was directing the apparatus, which was backing up under a bridge supporting the New Jersey Turnpike as it laid down a supply line for Firefighters operating at the a fire a few blocks away.

Stephens was tragically run down after turning away to look at the fire.....the apparatus was moving at less than 5 mph.