The Livingston Fire Department is saddened to announce the passing of Active Member William “Pops” Gethard. William (better known as Bill and Pops) was an active member with the department for the past 50 years.

Bill joined the fire department in 1974 and served as recording secretary from 1981 until his passing on March 22, 2025. Bill was currently assigned to Truck 1 at Headquarters station and served as the Captain in 2000, 2015-2016. He also served as Lieutenant in 1999, 2013-2014, & 2017.

Bill began his time with Engine 1 and served as Captain 1981-1982, and 1988. He also served as Lieutenant 1979-1980. 

Bill not only gave of himself to the fire department, but his son and daughter Joe and Cynthia followed in his footsteps and have both served with LFD. Joe is now a career firefighter in Newark NJ serving as a Battalion Chief and Cynthia is presently with LFD, serving as Captain on Engine 1. 

Bill was always good for a story from a past fire or a story from yesteryear, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him.