Who was Augusto Acabou, firefighter killed in Port Newark cargo ship fire?

Augusto Acabou Wiki – Augusto Acabou Biography

Augusto Acabou was a member of Engine 16 in the North Ironbound section of Newark. One of the fighters who died fighting the cargo ship fire in Port Newark on July 6 has been identified as Augusto Acabou.

“We are saddened to announce the death of two Newark firefighters, Augusto Acabou and Wayne Brooks, Jr., who died while fighting a fire in Port Newark that began on July 5 and continued through July 6. Our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the fallen,” the city of Newark tweeted.

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. pic.twitter.com/R5FVWyeNSK
— City of Newark (@CityofNewarkNJ) July 6, 2023

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

Who was Augusto Acabou?

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

Acabou was 45 years old at the time of his death. 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 deep 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 at the Port of Newark. We mourn the loss of our brothers Augusto (Augie) Acabou and Wayne (Bear) Brooks Jr., who courageously dedicated their lives to keeping the people of Newark safe. The Acabou and Brooks families are part of our family; We will cry together and hug them tight.”

He added: “We are grateful for the outpouring of support the community has given 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 Augie and Bear’s sacrifice by continuing to do the work they loved, so if the people of Newark need help, we’re still just a phone call away.”

Newark Fire Chief Rufus Jackson said: “Losing a brother or sister to this profession is the ultimate sacrifice for the fire service. I ask that each and every one of us, not just those standing before me, but the citizens of Newark, and communities across the country, the fire service is not just a municipality, it’s a brotherhood, a brotherhood in the whole country, and I ask that each one of you pray for our brothers.”

Of the two deceased, Acabou was the first to die after the 12-story boat, which was carrying approximately 5,000 vehicles at the time, caught fire.

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