Edison Fire Department Mourns Passing Of Firefighters Howard Tarlow

EDISON, NJ – The Edison Firefighters Association announced the passing of firefighter Howard C Tarlow.

Tarlow also served as treasurer of Local 1197.

Tarlow began his fire service career in 2008 when he joined the Highland Park Volunteer Fire Department, after expressing to a friend the urge to give back to the community, the association said.

In 2010, Tarlow wanted to serve the town he lived in, and transferred to Raritan Engine Company 1.

He was appointed to the Edison Division of Fire as a career firefighter on October 9, 2012 and was assigned to C Platoon.

“He had a never-ending quest for knowledge and would regularly attend fire service training classes, all while actively attaining a Fire Science Bachelor’s degree from New Jersey City University. Firefighter Tarlow was known for his attention to detail at work and his witty sense of humor,” the association said.

“Firefighter Tarlow’s thirst for knowledge and desire to make change led him to become the Local 1197 Professional Firefighters Association of NJ State (PFANJ) Delegate in 2021. In his position of delegate, he worked closely with state labor leaders on issues impacting firefighters in NJ.”

On July 1, 2022, Tarlow was elected Treasurer of Local 1197.

“He worked tirelessly in the position of Treasurer to make the union better and stronger financially,” the association said.

He was involved in Local 1197’s community outreach and coordinated the union’s participation in yearly Halloween Trunk or Treats and the Edison Township Winter Wonderland, which collected donated toys for the US Marine Toys for Tots.

He administered the union’s charity account and regularly sent donations to numerous community organizations such as Hands of Hope, Edison Little League, Kiddie Keep Well Camp and The Lakeview School.

“Firefighter Tarlow always made himself available to the membership to assist with any type of problem they would encounter,” the association said.

“Firefighter Tarlow made a big impact on not only the membership but also his son Mark, who followed his father’s footsteps and was appointed to the Edison Division of Fire on October 1, 2020.”

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

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