The Scotch Plains Fire Department and the community at large mourn the loss of Fire Captain Carmen Grausso, who served the local community for more than four decades. Born in Plainfield, Carmen Grausso was a lifelong resident of Scotch Plains and a 1968 graduate of Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.

He was an active member of the Scotch Plains volunteer firefighter protecting life and property in the township for over 44 years, obtaining the rank of captain with Station 161. His service extended beyond his community to his country as a Veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard. He began his career with the Township of Fanwood and later transferred to the Department of Public Works of Scotch Plains working over 38 years and retiring as a Supervisor in 2016.