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Community rallies after Temple Bethl fire; council pays tribute to longtime firefighter
Summary
Council members and residents honored the late firefighter Mark 'Toby' Gentile and described community and mutual‑aid responses to a recent fire at Temple Bethl; council praised volunteer emergency services and noted fundraising and rebuilding efforts.
At the Aug. 25 meeting the Rutherford Mayor and Council paid extended tribute to Mark "Toby" Gentile, a 37‑year member of the Rutherford Fire Department and Department of Public Works employee, who died Aug. 1; members recounted his service and personal stories and expressed condolences to his family.
Council President McGowan and multiple council members described Gentile as an integral community member and firefighter with years of service, noting his leadership roles in the department and community organizations. Several councilors recounted incidents that illustrated his commitment to residents.
Council members also addressed the recent fire at Temple Bethl. Officials thanked the Rutherford Volunteer Fire Department, mutual‑aid departments from surrounding towns, police and EMS for their response; Rabbi Lurman and his family escaped without injury. Councilors noted the congregation is preparing to rebuild and that community fundraising efforts have raised significant support.
Mayor and council members encouraged residents to support emergency personnel and the congregation’s recovery efforts and invited the public to attend services or volunteer as appropriate.
What happens next: council indicated it will coordinate community support and schedule a public event to honor Gentile once the rabbi and congregation have had time to stabilize plans for rebuilding.
