Craig Konkle

On March 23, 2024, Deputy Chief Craig Konkle of the South Bound Brook Volunteer Fire Department in New Jersey responded to a motor vehicle crash on the Boulevard. The car was overturned. Following his response to this incident, he suffered an acute medical emergency. Despite lifesaving efforts, Deputy Chief Konkle passed away due to a heart attack. He was 54 years old and had served with the department since 2013. 

Konkle was born in Seoul, South Korea, and was adopted at 10 months old by Raymond and D. Lois Konkle. He grew up in Blairstown, NJ, where he graduated from North Warren Regional High School. He enjoyed playing sports, especially football and baseball. He was a Boy Scout and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at the age of 14. He later became an integral part of Philmont Scout Crew 629-3, serving as a dedicated advisor with Troop 42 and Troop 154. He mentored and guided young scouts, instilling in them the values of leadership, service, and camaraderie. His father died when he was 16 and his mother passed in 2012. He attended Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire for aviation where he received his pilot license. He changed his path in life and transferred to Glassboro State College (Rowan University) in New Jersey, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. He became a Manufacturing Engineer and even held a patten on one of his new “tool” creations. He was brilliant and humble, always willing to share his knowledge and help others grow professionally. He met his future wife, Elizabeth (Beth), when she accepted a job at his company. On her tour of the facility, she noticed him and his green truck in the parking lot. They began dating but kept their relationship secret. Beth left the company and later on they married and had twins, Nathan and Raymond. Nathan was stillborn. Their daughter, Sophie, was born two years later. Konkle planned on fixing the green truck and passing it down to Raymond. Beth followed through with his dream, got the truck running and gave it to Raymond. Losing Nathan broke their hearts, but they clung together, sharing unconditional love together and with their children. He was a devoted husband and father, always present, always respected. 

Konkle’s grandfather was a founding member of the Blairstown Volunteer Fire Department, and his father was a member of the Blairstown VFD and rescue squad. It was inevitable that he would follow in their footsteps. When he purchased a home for the family in South Bound Brook in 2012, he joined the fire department. He wouldn’t officially join until he was settled, even though his father-in-law, who was a member, repeatedly asked him to join. He was unofficially a part of the department since 2000, helping at each event. He was a calm, quiet, even-keeled presence and was respected by all. In January 2016, Konkle and Bound Brook Police Officer Jason Gianotto rescued a man who had fallen through the ice on the Delaware and Raritan Canal. They each received the Somerset County 200 Valor Award which is bestowed on individuals who have shown extreme action and courage serving the citizens of Somerset County. Konkle was a true example of a selfless person, with the best heart and “smooth” sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him. 

Deputy Chief Craig Konkle is survived by his loving wife, Beth, his son, Raymond, his daughter, Sophie, his sister, Lois Clare, and many other cherished family members and friends. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Konkle family home through the Fallen First Responder Home Program.