Death of 88-year-old retired firefighter found dead in Irvington ruled a homicide

IRVINGTON, N.J. (WABC) -- An 88-year-old retired firefighter was found dead in his Irvington home, and police say the case is being investigated as a homicide.

At about 11:20 a.m. on Thursday, police officers went to the home of Donald Dreher on 18th Avenue to conduct a welfare check, and found him dead.

Autopsy results revealed Wednesday the cause of death is suffocation and the manner is homicide.

Authorities say he may have been the victim of a burglary.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force and the Irvington Police are investigating.

The Essex County Sheriff's Crime Stoppers Program is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Essex County Prosecutor's Office Homicide/Major Crimes Task Force at 1-877-847-7432 or 1-877-TIPS-4-EC.