One of the fighters who was killed battling the cargo ship fire at Port Newark on July 6 has been identified as Augusto Acabou.

“We are saddened to announce the passing of two Newark Firefighters, Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks, Jr., who each died while fighting a fire at Port Newark that began July 5 and continued into July 6. Our deepest condolences go to the families and loved ones of the fallen,” the City of Newark tweeted.

According to city officials, five other firefighters were also injured while responding to the fire. Three of them were from Newark’s department and two from the Elizabeth Fire Department. One remains hospitalized with critical injuries.

Also Read | Who was Wayne Brooks Jr, firefighter killed in Port Newark fire?

Who was Augusto Acabou?

Augusto Acabou was a member of Engine 16 in Newark’s North Ironbound section, according to Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson.

Acabou was 45 years old at the time of his demise. He was a nine-year veteran and assigned to Engine 16 in the East Ferry neighborhood. His cousin, who is also a Newark firefighter, discovered his body. His brother Clark Police Captain Miguel Acabou.

Mike Giunta, President of the Newark Firefighters Union released a statement saying: “It is with profound sadness that the Newark Firefighters Union announces the tragic loss of two firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while battling a devastating fire last night in the Port of Newark. We mourn the loss of our brothers Augusto (Augie) Acabou and Wayne (Bear) Brooks Jr., who bravely dedicated their lives to keeping the people of Newark safe. The Acabou and Brooks families are part of our family; we will mourn together and hold them tight.”

Also Read | Port Newark ship fire: 2 firefighters dead, many officers injured in blaze

He added: “We are grateful for the outpouring of support the community has extended to Newark Firefighters. Just as we have always been there for the people of Newark in their time of need, you are here for us in our time of need. We will honor the sacrifice of Augie and Bear by continuing to do the job they loved, so if the people of Newark need help, we are still a phone call away.”

Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson said: “This is the ultimate, ultimate sacrifice of the fire service, to lose a brother or sister of this profession. I ask that each and every one of us — not only the ones who are standing in front of me, but the citizens of Newark, the communities throughout our country — fire service is not just a municipality, it’s a brotherhood, a sisterhood throughout the country, and I ask that each of them pray for our brothers.”

Out of the two deceased, Acabou was the first to perish after the 12-story vessel, which was carrying approximately 5,000 vehicles at the time went ablaze.

The Newark Fire Department was first on the scene but was overcome by intense heat on the 10th floor. “There was a mayday. We had one of our brothers was lost within the fire. We had the brave men and women of the Newark Fire Department make the ultimate sacrifice to bring this individual out, and made multiple efforts under extreme conditions, extreme heat,” Jackson said. “They were able to bring Firefighter Acabou out. Then, we had another mayday, which was Firefighter Wayne Brooks.”