Hundreds Honor Monsey's Haredi Fire Chief Chaim Jacobson at Funeral

Hundreds gathered last Friday to pay their final respects to Chaim Jacobson, the commander of the Haredi fire station in Monsey, who passed away at age 46 after a prolonged illness. His death left a significant void in the Monsey community and beyond.

Jacobson dedicated nearly 30 years to protecting Monsey and Rockland County residents. More than a firefighter, he was a visionary leader who helped transform the Monsey Fire Department into one of the top departments in Rockland. Working closely with the Monsey Fire Commissioner and fellow commanders, he played a key role in modernizing operations, enhancing firefighter training, and improving safety standards to meet the needs of Monsey's rapidly growing community.

The funeral took place at the Shaar Hashamayim community in Wesley Hills, where hundreds gathered to bid farewell. After eulogies, many carried his casket to the fire department in tribute to his decades of dedicated service. The casket was then taken to a tahara facility in New Square for Shabbat and later flown from JFK Airport to Israel. His burial was held Sunday at the Eretz HaChaim cemetery in Beit Shemesh.

Those who knew Jacobson described him as humble, brilliant, and highly respected, with leadership extending far beyond emergency scenes. Community members called him a "precious diamond" who saved many lives and helped numerous people, expressing hope that he would serve as an advocate for all of Israel in the afterlife.