George Batta, formerly the Fire Chief in Roseland, passed away on Nov. 24 at the age of 84, the Roseland Fire Department announced.
In Chief Batta’s honor, flags has been lowered to half-staff in the borough.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Chief Batta’s family and friends at this tough time,” said Roseland Mayor James R. Spango. “We salute Chief Batta for his lifetime of selfless service to the Borough of Roseland and its residents.” Chief Batta served in the Army during peacetime and was honorably discharged in 1966. He then served in the Roseland Fire Department for 50 years as a driver, a pump operator, assistant chief, and then as fire chief.
Batta worked at Becker Farm for several decades, including operating the Centerville and Southwestern Railroad Miniature Railway.