Donald J. Trout

On August 27, 2021, Hazmat Lieutenant Donald J. Trout passed away at the age of 53 due to a service-related medical emergency.

Trout was born in Perth Amboy, New Jersey and raised in Keasbey, New Jersey along with his five sisters and brother. His childhood was very loving, but very busy, being one of seven children. He and his wife, Charlotte, knew each other from a young age, Charlotte even having a crush on him as a small child.

Born with a passion to help others, Trout had a dream to become either a police officer or firefighter and at just 16 years old, he became an EMT. Trout had been with his unit since 2002 and, prior to that, served as the supervisor for the “A” Shift of the Middlesex County Fire Department. He had been recently named as the unit’s training officer. He held various positions of honor within the Middlesex County Firefighters Association, including one term as president. He was also a former member of the Perth Amboy Volunteer Fire Department First Aid Squad. He loved knowing he can make a difference and even started his own Fire Safety Company to exemplify this and further fulfill his passions. Throughout his honorable career, Trout has fought fires, saved lives, and helped deliver babies. One day, he was preparing to leave headquarters to respond to a job when he had a heart attack which unfortunately cost him his life. Trout died a hero.

Currently, Charlotte is passionate about speaking with widows of similar situations about mental health, as well as doing everything she can for her children. In the future, she is excited to know that she is able to make a difference in someone’s life. She would like to thank her brother, Ben Salerno, and sister-in-law, Irma Salerno, for putting their lives on hold for her since the passing of her loving husband. In her moments of deep sorrow and grief, they gave her the strength to fight. Charlotte is also grateful to Tunnel to Towers for allowing her to realize to never give up. She would like others to know that Trout was her childhood crush and she had the privilege of marrying her best friend. He was an amazing father and husband. Trout will be greatly missed.

Hazmat Lieutenant Donald J. Trout is survived by his loving wife, Charlotte, and his children, Gabriella and Gianni.