NJ Fire Guys
Run #: 24-034
Date: Oct. 17, 2024
Guest: Chief John H. Lightbody  

Fire Chief John H. Lightbody began his firefighting career in 1978 as part of the East Dover Volunteer Fire Company’s Junior Firefighter program in Toms River Township, New Jersey. After graduating from Toms River High School South in 1980, he was appointed a career firefighter at the Naval Air Engineering Center in Lakehurst, NJ. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Chief of the East Dover Volunteer Fire Company in 1996-1997. Later, he served as District Fire Chief for Toms River Township Fire District #1, overseeing four stations, more than 200 firefighters, and 20 fire officers. John played a crucial role in leading the district’s response during Hurricane Sandy, which devastated the Toms River area in 2012.  

In addition to his fire service career, John was appointed as a Detective in the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office in 1988, where he joined the Arson Unit and later became the Sergeant of Detectives, succeeding Sgt. H.L. Wilson. He is the architect of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office “Arson Task Force” and has conducted over 3,000 fire origin and cause investigations throughout his career. Retiring from government service in 2004, he transitioned to the private sector, working for fire investigation firms before launching his own company, “Find the Cause Investigations, LLC,” in 2022. John is a Certified Fire Investigator through the IAAI, a Certified Fire & Explosion Investigator through the NAFI and dually Certified Fire Investigation Instructor. Chief Lightbody is also a court certified expert witness in fire origin and cause investigations, as well as fire suppression strategies and tactics.