Submitted by his Chief
Kevin was the type of person who walked into a room and it lit up. He commanded the attention of all around him with his quick wit‚ his charm and his smile. Kevin had the personality that put people at ease – whether they knew him for ten years or ten minutes. He loved to tell elaborate stories about the adventures that he had each and every day‚ because Kevin turned everything into an adventure. So he’d sit you down and describe his ridiculous day and by the end of the story‚ you’d both be laughing with tears running down your face and realized that you had just made a new best friend.
Kevin started his emergency services career at the age of 16‚ when most his age are more concerned with videogames‚ Kevin chose to devote his free time helping his community of Union‚ NJ. He joined the Union Emergency Medical Unit and that started his passion for helping others.
After Kevin graduated high school‚ he moved to New Brunswick and started his college education at Rutgers University studying Criminal Justice. While at Rutgers University he took the job as per diem Emergency Medical Technician. Kevin then decided that he wanted to expand his knowledge of emergency services. So he joined the East Franklin Volunteer Fire Company. Kevin went to fire school‚ where he obtained his Firefighter 1 certification. Kevin quickly made friends in the firehouse and went to as many fires as he could‚ to gain more experience. He even became part of a small group that would stay at the firehouse all night‚ just so that if there were a call an engine could be on the road as quick as possible. In 2006‚ he was recognized for his efforts and was promoted to Foreman. Kevin also was a certified CPR instructor and enjoyed teaching people how they too can save lives. Kevin actively participated in anything that would benefit the community. Emergency Services was Kevin’s passion and what he devoted his life to.
After college‚ Kevin was thinking about becoming a New York City police officer. He had already taken the exam and was awaiting the results of his test. Unfortunately‚ he died in the line of duty on April 11‚ 2006‚ while attempting to rescue a trapped resident from her burning home. Kevin’s test results came that same day that he died. He had achieved almost a perfect score on the written exam – a 99.6.
Kevin left a legacy with all those he touched. He taught us the importance of volunteering‚ the importance of family and friends. He was a talented‚ passionate and selfless young man. We are all blessed to have known him.
Not a hour passes by in my day that I dont think of you. When I was a little kid all I wanted to be was a fireman and maybe somebodys hero on 4/11/06 you became mine.I will never forget you and the crew getting to the door with the lady.When I got the call on the radio that you guys where coming out with her I thought to myself Kevin is going to be all over me for weeks because there is no EMS bus here yet for the homeowner.And you kept asking me to buy a bus for you guys from the ESU.Seconds later what would happened would change a lot of things in our lives. You know that we tried to do everything that we could to get to you. But it was to late the man upstairs needed a good fireman and he picked our Kevin to lead his men. I promise you we will take care of your family because you would take care of mine.And we all know that why because thats who KEVIN APUZZIO was always there when you needed a hand no matter what time of day or where you needed help you could always count on you. Pooz you are sadly missed by all of us at Station 27 and I know we now have are own St Florian Apuzzio keeping a eye on us. God Speed
– Chief4 Kieran, Jack, Katriana, Brielle and especially you Kevin, the CTBS so EGH
– JimmyKevin, you’re always in my thoughts and as the Chief said.. not a day goes by that I dont think or be reminded of you. You are very well missed and your spirit will continue on strong so that we will never forget you.
– JonI still remember in firefighter one when I was struggling with some of the book work you told me to stick with it and I would be fine. You were right. Every call I go on I wish you were there but you are not. You are my hero and I will never forget you or what happened that day. I know I’m safe with you and my Grandfather looking down on us.
– Michael ReinbeckNot a day goes by where you aren’t in my thoughts. Thinking about all the good times we had together. You taught me almost everything of what I know. Your not here to teach me anymore, but I know that if I turn out to be half as good a man and firefighter as you were, I’m doing alright. 54-Minor forever.
– Michael DavittKevin – It has been over 3 years and it only gets more hard not having you in my life anymore. You are my Hero and will always have a special place in my heart. I love you and find comfort knowing you are up there looking over all of us until we meet again…
– Megan PetersKevin – It has been over 3 years and it definately does not get any easier. Each day that goes by makes me miss you more and more. You are my Hero and will always hold a very special place inmy heart….
– Megan PetersI read the testimonial made by Kevin’s father in the book Pass it On by Billy Goldfeder. His family was absolutely proud of him in life and after his death. He seemed to have the utmost potential in life and it is such a heartbreak that he passed away without knowing that he was closer to his destination of becoming an NYPD Police Officer. Rest in Peace Brother.
– Jeff Blanchard