Neptune EMS chief dies while on duty; remembered for his compassion, leadership
First responders throughout Monmouth County are mourning the loss of Bil Rosen.
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Compassionate, dedicated and a true leader - those are just some of the ways colleagues are describing Bil Rosen, the Neptune EMS chief who died on the job Monday.
"It is with great sadness that we share the news that Neptune Township EMS Chief Bil Rosen collapsed and died in the line of duty this morning. He was 59," Neptune Township EMS said in a statement on social media. "This is a major loss for all of us, and we’re still processing the shock.
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Since his death was announced, first responders throughout Monmouth County have posted tributes, remembering Rosen for his dedication to the job as well as his love for his family, food and his affinity for telling "dad jokes."
"We're all still dealing with the shock of this news. Bil was a friend, a family member, and, like many in this business, held multiple significant roles in EMS," NJ EMS Task Force President Mike Bascom said in a statement. "He touched countless lives along the way. Losing Bil impacts multiple agencies throughout New Jersey."
Colleagues have said Rosen was especially passionate about mental health and wellness.
"Bil was passionate about mental health and wellness and established a robust peer support system within Neptune Township EMS that has come to grow into something bigger than imagined. The hope for him was to create a program that nurtured and destigmatized the judgment around mental health in public safety," Neptune EMS said.
Rosen was also known as a natural leader and a mentor to many rescue workers in the area, especially his son, who recently began working as a first responder.
"You could feel the joy he had for watching his son Bash begin his journey in EMS," Neptune EMS wrote. "Most recently, they could be found standing together side by side at the FIFA World Cup."
Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden also posted on social media, saying that Rosen's "commitment to serving others, his leadership, and lasting impact on the EMS profession will never be forgotten."
"The public safety family has lost an exceptional individual," Golden said. "His legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and serving alongside him."
The Neptune Township EMS squad says funeral services are tentatively scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at Hamilton Fire House, 10 Jumping Brook Rd., Neptune. The exact time has not yet been announced. The service will be followed by a procession to burial at 2432 West Bangs Ave.
Neptune Township EMS is asking community members to keep Rosin's family in their thoughts and prayers.
"For now, please keep Bil’s wife Kristen, his son Sebastian, his loving family, and everyone whose lives he touched along the way in your thoughts," the squad said. "His dad jokes will be deeply missed, and the joy he brought to all of us will never be forgotten. The legacy he has left behind will be carried on for generations by all the lives that Bil touched."
