Malaga — A 23-year-old volunteer firefighter with the Malaga Fire Company died early July 10 after suffering severe injuries in a crash two weeks earlier while driving to a fire call, the fire company said.
Robert “Bobby” Reider was traveling north on Delsea Drive on Saturday, June 27 when his vehicle went off the road, Malaga Fire Company officials said. First responders found Reider trapped in his car and worked to free him before he was flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital for treatment of multiple traumatic injuries.
Reider remained hospitalized for nearly two weeks. He died around 4:30 a.m. on July 10 from the injuries he suffered in the crash, according to the fire company.
Service and training
Reider joined the Malaga Fire Company in 2018 as a junior firefighter when he was 16, the department said. He later completed formal training, earning a Fire 1 certificate at the Salem County Fire Academy in 2022.
The Malaga Fire Company has not released additional details about the crash, including whether law enforcement has completed a formal collision investigation or issued a report. Local authorities typically investigate traffic crashes that result in serious injury or death; families and the department will be notified as findings are finalized.
What this means for residents
The death of a young volunteer firefighter underscores the risks volunteer emergency responders face when responding to incidents. Communities that depend on volunteer departments may see temporary staffing impacts after a line-of-duty injury or death while crews handle mutual aid and coverage.
- Volunteer service: Reider was an active member of the Malaga Fire Company since his teens.
- Response risks: The crash occurred while he was en route to a call; officials often remind motorists to yield to emergency vehicles.
- Pending updates: The fire company has provided the basic timeline; further details about the crash and any memorial plans are expected to come from the department or the family.
The Malaga Fire Company did not provide a public schedule for memorial services at the time of the notice announcing Reider’s death. Residents seeking more information should check official department channels or contact Malaga Fire Company representatives.
| Victim | Age | Incident date | Date of death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert "Bobby" Reider | 23 | June 27, 2026 | July 10, 2026 |
The department asked for privacy for the family as it processes the loss of a longtime member. The community and neighboring departments often provide support after such tragedies, assisting with coverage and outreach to the firefighter’s family.
Reporting will be updated as officials release further information about the crash, any investigative findings and arrangements.
