Funeral held for fallen firefighter Marques Hudson, killed battling house fire in Plainfield, New Jersey
PLAINFIELD, N.J. -- The funeral for Marques Hudson, a New Jersey firefighter who died in the line of duty, was held Saturday in Plainfield.
Hudson's flag-draped casket slowly made its way down the road outside of Plainfield High School on Saturday morning, with saluting firefighters lining the streets.
"We've lost a protector, a hard worker, a quick learner, an educator, a good brother. Huddy was a good brother," said fellow firefighter Jamal Johnson.
But the Plainfield Fire Department gained an angel, says Johnson, who describes Hudson as a big brother.
"The passing of Marques last Friday was like losing a son," said Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp.
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Hudson died at age 32 while a house fire on Emerson Avenue on Jan. 26. Officials say he might have fallen through the floor or stairs. The city's historian says it's believed Hudson is the first firefighter killed in a fire in Plainfield's history.
"In a gesture of honor and recognition of his valor, we posthumously elevated Marques to the rank of lieutenant," Mapp said.
According to his obituary, Hudson was known for his love, support and dedication. It stated he was "a constant source of light to everyone he touched, his energy undeniable."
Hudson's loved ones, close friends and fellow firefighters paid their respects during a private wake at Plainfield High School on Friday.
"I think it's very important to honor those that have fallen. This is a very, very sad day for his family and for the fire company," said Captain Sarah Bonnefoi, of Basking Ridge Fire Company No. 1 & EMS. "It is a risk when you join a fire company and when you respond in emergency situations. It is something that you realize could happen. I'm just so sorry for his family."
Hudson is not only being remembered for his dedication to the fire department, but for his dedication to his three sons -- Kaleb, Isaiah and Josiah.
"Always smiling, he was always friendly to me. Great, great, great dad," family friend Melissa Cardoza said. "It's sad that he leaves three kids behind, and he was such a young age, you know. He had his whole life ahead of him."
In his free time, Hudson was known to make it to every school event, when he wasn't coaching T-ball. New Brunswick Firefighter Kendall James grew up playing football and baseball with Hudson.
"He always wanted to be a firefighter. He showed us pictures when we were younger of him at different fire stations throughout the Piscataway Township," James said.
James says Hudson would light up a room the moment he walked in, and that's how he hopes Hudson is remembered.
Hudson is the third New Jersey firefighter to die in the line of duty in less than a year.
Two Newark firefighters were killed battling a cargo ship fire last July.
