January 9, 2004
For Immediate Release
Contact: 
        Public Information Officer
        Anthony Sirolli
        609-743-2561

WINSLOW TOWNSHIP FIRE LIEUTENANT
LESLIE W. GANT SUCCUMBS TO STROKE

    On January 8th, 2004, Lieutenant Leslie W. Gant Jr. of the Winslow Township Fire Department died as a result of a stroke following an emergency response. Early on January 4th, Lieutenant Gant responded on Engine Company 2572 to a motor vehicle accident on the Atlantic City Expressway. Upon returning to the Fire Station with his company, Lieutenant Gant experienced some dizziness and returned home to rest.

    His family later took him to the hospital for evaluation where it was  determined that he had suffered a stroke. He was taken to Thomas Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where specialists aggressively but unsuccessfully worked to save his life.

    Inspired by his father who has served 50 years as firefighter, Leslie served as a dedicated volunteer firefighter for over thirty years, beginning as a junior firefighter in Runnemede - Station 75, at the age of 16. After his marriage to Carol, they moved to Magnolia, where he served the Magnolia Fire Company - Station 291. Leslie served the last ten years in Winslow Township with the Sicklerville Fire Company.

    Lieutenant Gant is survived by his mother (Doris), father (Leslie Sr.), wife (Carol) and daughter (Kelli). Leslie was employed by Weyerhauser Corporation since February 6, 1989 and faithfully served his full-time position as a dedicated employee. Additionally, Leslie conducted on-site Fire Training for the plant employees, where his talents were utilized for workplace safety. He was a devoted son, husband, father and brother to the firefighters with whom he served.

    The Winslow Township Board of Fire Commissioners extends their deepest sympathies and condolences to Lieutenant Gant's family. Chair of the Winslow Fire Board of Commissioners Anthony Sirolli expressed great grief over the loss of Leslie.  "He was an inspiration to the fire service, especially for the younger members to whom he served as a roll model. His unwavering dedication, commitment and courage have stood as a constant inspiration to all who knew him and who had the pleasure of working with him. He will be missed by the Winslow community and the fire service as a whole."

     The Winslow Township Fire Department, the Board of Fire Commissioners and all Officers and Members will be honoring Lieutenant Gant through a full Fire Department Funeral Service. The viewing will be at Gardner's Funeral Home, 126 S. Black Horse Pike, Runnemede, on Monday, January 12, 2004 from 6:00pm-9:00pm and then again on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 from 10:00am-12:00pm. The memorial service will be held at the Gardner Funeral Home at 12:00 pm.

    Questions regarding the services can be directed to the Public Information Officer, Chairman Anthony Sirolli at (609) 743-2561.