Mike DeGall, a 15-year veteran of the Franklin Lakes Department of Public Works (DPW), passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
FRANKLIN LAKES, NJ — The Borough of Franklin Lakes is in mourning following the sudden passing of a man who spent his final hours serving the community he loved. Mike DeGall, a 15-year veteran of the Franklin Lakes Department of Public Works (DPW), passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026, shortly after completing an exhausting shift during a major winter storm.
Known for his “unmatched pride, dignity, and respect,” DeGall, 65, has been hailed by colleagues and residents alike as a dedicated public servant who worked until his very last moments.
A “Final Act of Duty” During the 2026 Blizzard
The late January snowstorm of 2026 blanketed Bergen County with over 13 inches of snow, creating treacherous conditions across North Jersey. While most residents were hunkered down inside, DeGall was behind the wheel of a plow, working “around the clock” to ensure the safety of Franklin Lakes’ streets and sidewalks.
In a moving tribute, the Franklin Lakes Fire Department described his efforts as a true act of heroism:
“Mike’s final act of duty was working tirelessly around the clock during this past weekend’s snowstorm to keep our borough’s streets and sidewalks clean and safe for all of us… Thank you, Mike, for everything you gave to Franklin Lakes. Rest easy, hero.”
Remembering a “Kind and Ingenious” Colleague
The Borough family released a statement on January 30, reflecting on DeGall’s 15-year legacy. Beyond his work ethic, Mike was celebrated for his ingenuity and his willingness to tackle any task—no matter how small—with a smile.
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A Pillar of Support: Mike was a fixture at the annual 9/11 Memorial Garden ceremony, often staying behind to talk with residents about loss and healing.
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A Skilled Hand: Colleagues noted his unique ability to solve complex mechanical issues at the DPW yard, often using his “talents and ingenuity” to keep equipment running when it mattered most.
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A Warm Presence: To many, Mike was known for his “big hugs” and his protective, supportive nature toward his beloved wife, Kelly.
Community Response: “The Best of Us”
As news of his passing spread, social media was flooded with tributes from residents who remembered DeGall’s personal touch. One local resident shared, “He was so sweet and kind and caring. We spoke of our losses and how to cope. He was very respectful and he truly cared.”
In honor of his years of service, flags at Borough Hall and the Department of Public Works have been lowered to half-staff.
Legacy of a Public Servant
Mike DeGall’s story is a poignant reminder of the “hidden” heroes who maintain our infrastructure during the harshest conditions. For the residents of Franklin Lakes, the clean roads they traveled on that Monday morning serve as a final, silent testament to his dedication.
Celebrating His Life: While a date for a formal Celebration of Life has yet to be announced, the family has asked for privacy as they grieve. Memorial trees and flowers are being planted in his honor to reflect his love for the outdoors.
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With many years of experience, dealing with this, these towns need and must follow the law regarding drivers that are plowing through the storm. The DOT has a 16 hour rule and most of these plow drivers /operators are working many more hours than that. Sometimes up to 40 hours or more with little snack breaks. This has been a problem for an extremely long time. Do you know how many municipal employees that work through these blizzards that they have major health situations, most of them are shocked to the heart a fib./Heart attacks. This needs to change immediately there’s gotta be split shifts, just like the police 12 hours on 12 hours off. You don’t see police working 40 hours straight any units the municipalities responsibility and no one can deny that not even the insurance company we feel extremely bad for this employee and his wife. It didn’t have to come to this. This could’ve been avoided. We are sure that this is spreading through the area like wildfire, there will be discussions regarding this issue.
It needs to be talked about. It’s dangerous. what happens if an employee gets into an accident with equipment and someone gets killed, and they do an investigation that a driver or an operator is working 25 hours or more
Help by law can you push in an employee that’s operating a plow truck or other snow equipment for that length of time. Physically it’s not healthy, and we are putting employees and other drivers at risk for disaster. Would you want to get an operation from a doctor that’s been up for that length of time
The above also complain when the roads aren’t clear!hy
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How can any individual put thumbs down on the safety. That’s what this is about. Obviously, if you put thumbs down, you’re never operated a Snow Plow for a long period of time.