On the morning of Oct. 31 Bichler was found suffering cardiac arrest in his front yard. Bichler was 66.
On the morning of Oct. 31, Evesham Fire-Rescue was dispatched for a report of an unconscious person at a local residence.
Rescuers arrived to find a fellow member suffering from cardiac arrest in the front yard.
While resuscitation efforts by Evesham Fire and Evesham Police, Virtua Paramedics, and the local hospital were made, volunteer member firefighter/EMT Joseph Bichler was pronounced dead by emergency room physicians.
Bichler, 66, was an active volunteer for more than 33 years.
Bichler started his service as a firefighter with the Marlton Fire Company in 1983, at that time, one of the two fire companies serving the Evesham Fire District.
When the Marlton First Aid Squad merged with the Fire District, Bichler was one of the first to sign up to become an EMT.
Bichler served in the firefighter/EMT capacity and was not only a very active responder, but officials with Evesham Fire-Rescue also describe Bichler as a father-figure and mentor to many of the younger members of the department.
Bichler also served for many years as the Treasurer of the Marlton Fire Company and was responsible for ensuring financial soundness for the Fire Company and also the Hale Restoration Fund, the fund used to restore the Marlton Fire Company’s 1927 Hale Fire Pumper.
Officials with Evesham Fire-Rescue say that Bichler’s response to fire and medical emergencies was admirable, as he impacted countless lives of members of Marlton’s community, and with his passing a large hole has been left in the organization.
Evesham Fire-Rescue officials describe Bichler’s 33 years of service as having “a direct and noticeable impact” with recruiting members, training members to operate effectively at emergency scenes, keeping the membership motivated, and continuing the cycle of indoctrination and commitment to the organization.
“Joe’s impact to the spirit of volunteerism within our organization was, simply, amazing,” said Evesham Fire-Rescue Chief Bryan Ward in a public letter.
In addition to the Fire Department family, Joe leaves behind a loving wife, two daughters and two sons.
Evesham Fire-Rescue officials say they will continue to work with various agencies in ensuring that Bichler’s death and arrangements are handled properly.
The United States Fire Administration has classified Bichler’s death as a Line of Duty Death since Bichler had responded to multiple calls for service in the 24 hours preceding his medical emergency and death.
“We continue to work with the family to support their wishes for final arrangements,” Ward said.
Officials with Evesham Fire-Rescue report that services will be held at the Bradley Funeral Home, 601 South Route 73, Marlton, on Sunday, Nov. 5 and Monday, Nov. 6.
Final times are not available.
Requests for honor guards and apparatus have not been made at this time.
