North Bergen Township officials held a press conference on Thursday, Apr. 3, 2025 to address the devastating fire that occurred earlier that morning at Cullum Tower, a senior apartment complex in North Bergen.

The fire broke out just after 1 a.m. on the 10th floor of the 308-unit building. Tragically, 88-year-old Reynaldo Tatis and 72-year-old Miriam Tatis – a married couple and beloved members of the housing community – lost their lives in the fire.

North Bergen Housing Authority Executive Director Julio Marenco expressed heartfelt condolences to the Tatis family and shared that their children were overwhelmed by the community’s support. Marenco also thanked Mayor Nicholas Sacco for his personal outreach and praised the compassion shown by residents, staff, and emergency personnel.

“This is a tragic event we’ve had to live through. We've lost neighbors,” said Mayor Sacco. “Nothing takes away the pain and suffering that goes on here now.”

In addition to Mayor Sacco and Director Marenco, the press conference included remarks by Deputy Fire Chief David Donnarumma, and support from  Commissioners Allen Pascual, Hugo Cabrera, and Claudia Rodriguez, Township Administrator Janet Castro, Police Chief Robert Farley, NHRFR Executive Director Michael DeOrio, Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari, County Commissioner Robert Baselice, and NB C.A.R.E.S Coordinator Aimee Focaraccio.

Thanks to the building’s reinforced cement construction and the rapid response of emergency personnel, who arrived within six minutes, the fire was confined to a single unit and extinguished by 2:06 a.m. All residents were safely evacuated.

Twenty-seven individuals were displaced. The township coordinated hotel accommodations, and many were quickly taken in by loved ones. The township expressed gratitude to its community partners for their swift and generous efforts, including the American Red Cross, NB C.A.R.E.S., and Mayor Michael Gonnelli’s Secaucus Relief Center, which provided residents with clothing, food, and essentials during a time of urgent need.

Two North Bergen police officers were hospitalized for smoke inhalation but are expected to make a full recovery.

The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Arson Task Force is investigating the incident. No foul play is suspected, and officials confirmed that all Housing Authority buildings are current on fire and safety inspections. A full review is underway.

Reynaldo and Miriam Tatis were remembered not only as residents, but as part of the heart of North Bergen. The township remains united in grief and committed to honoring their memory by continuing to care for their neighbors with compassion.

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