Cherry Hill firefighter retires after 25 years of heroic service and daring rescues
Cherry Hill, NJ – Firefighter Jeffrey E. Marsden, a 25-year veteran of the Cherry Hill Fire Department, will officially retire on February 1 after a career marked by high-risk rescues, disaster deployments, and repeated commendations for bravery and public service.
Marsden began his firefighting journey on January 15, 2001, as one of just two recruits in Recruit Class 01-01. From there, his career quickly evolved, taking him from local engine assignments to specialized rescue and hazardous materials operations across the country. By September 2003, Marsden had transferred to Squad 13/Hazmat 13, where he responded with a Hazardous Materials Task Force to New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, earning unit recognition for critical decontamination and assessment work.
Throughout his career, Marsden rotated through multiple companies, including Ladder 1344 and the department’s Urban Search and Rescue unit, Rescue Ladder 13/USAR 13, where he remained until retirement. In those roles, Marsden was repeatedly decorated for lifesaving actions both on and off duty.
In 2017, he received a Unit Citation for helping rescue a civilian trapped in a house fire and was later awarded a Meritorious Service Citation for intervening in an assault against a Cherry Hill police officer. In January 2020, he earned a Unit Citation Award for extracting a pedestrian pinned under a train. He had previously been recognized in 2011 for his part in swiftwater rescues during severe flooding in Manville, New Jersey.
Marsden’s service extended beyond the call of duty. On November 4, 2022, while off-duty, he entered a burning home in Barrington alongside two police officers, rescuing an occupant before the local fire department arrived. His actions earned him a Life Saving Award from the Borough of Barrington.
His final day with the Cherry Hill Fire Department was Tuesday, December 30. The department expressed gratitude for his “countless hours and contributions,” marking the end of a career defined by frontline heroism and public dedication.
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Key Points
- Firefighter Jeffrey Marsden retires after 25 years with the Cherry Hill Fire Department
- Marsden was recognized for rescues during Hurricane Katrina, train incidents, and off-duty house fires
- His career included multiple unit citations and meritorious service awards