2 firehouses dedicated to 2 fire captains killed in Port Newark fire last year
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) -- Two firehouses were dedicated to a pair of Newark fire captains who died in the line of duty.
Wayne Brooks, Jr. and Augusto Acabou were killed while battling a massive cargo ship fire at Port Newark on July 5, 2023.
On Tuesday morning, the Newark Department of Public Safety dedicated Engine 16 - Ladder 8 to Acabou.
"We appreciate them doing the plaque dedication, but it's never going to be the same," said "Miguel Acabou, Augusto's brother. "That heartache is always going to be there."
Engine 27 - Ladder 4 was dedicated to Brooks.
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"It's hard being 47 and a widow," added Michell Brooks, wife of Wayne Brooks Jr. "Especially when that person was your best friend."
The two families stayed together for both services.
"I never thought my brother would ever have to go through something like this," said Acabou.
The city of Newark has promised the support of both families.
"To dedicate, week after week after week, these men's names into the memory of our city to send them off like the heroes that they were," acknowledged Newark Mayor Ras Baraka.
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