the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Elmwood Park NJ, a fire inspector with the Elmwood Park Fire Prevention Bureau has been arrested and charged with tampering and falsifying public records, according to a statement released by the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office (BCPO).
Mark Hettinger, 43, of Elmwood Park, was taken into custody on May 22 following an investigation launched by the BCPO Confidential Investigations Unit.
Allegations of Fraudulent Fire Inspection Documents
According to the BCPO, Hettinger is accused of falsely completing a fire inspection report and issuing a fire inspection certificate on April 14, 2025. These actions were discovered during an internal investigation initiated on April 16.
Prosecutors say Hettinger knowingly submitted false documentation related to his duties as a fire inspector in the borough.
Criminal Charges Filed
Hettinger faces the following charges:
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Third-degree Tampering with Public Records or Information
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Fourth-degree Falsifying or Tampering with Records
He has since been released from custody and is scheduled to make his first appearance in Bergen County Superior Court in Hackensack.
Community Impact & Ongoing Investigation
While no additional individuals have been implicated at this time, the BCPO has not ruled out further developments as the investigation continues. The case raises serious concerns about accountability and integrity in public safety roles, especially those involving building and fire safety inspections.
Why It Matters
Fire inspections are a critical component of community safety and fire prevention compliance. Allegations of misconduct or document falsification undermine trust in public institutions and may potentially place the public at risk.
Authorities urge anyone with information related to this case to contact the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office.
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