Fire truck - file photo
Fire truck - File Photo

New Jersey fire inspector charged with falsifying public records

by
May 23, 2025

ELMWOOD PARK, N.J. — A fire inspector for the Borough of Elmwood Park has been arrested and charged with tampering with public records and falsifying documents, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella announced Friday.

Mark S. Hettinger, 43, was taken into custody on May 22 following an investigation by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Confidential Investigations Unit. The probe began after officials received information on April 16 regarding alleged misconduct involving the Elmwood Park Fire Prevention Bureau.

New jersey fire inspector charged with falsifying public records
Photo: new jersey fire inspector charged with falsifying public records

Investigators determined that Hettinger falsely completed both a Fire Inspection Report and a Fire Inspection Certificate on or about April 14, 2025.

As a result, Hettinger was charged with one count of third-degree tampering with public records and one count of fourth-degree falsifying or tampering with records. He was released pending a court appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.

Prosecutor Musella emphasized that the charges are accusations and Hettinger is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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