Woodcliff Lake community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Paul Bechtel, a man whose name was synonymous with service, community spirit, and the local firefighting family
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, known affectionately as “Paulie,” Bechtel’s death was confirmed by Mayor Carlos Rendo and the Woodcliff Lake Fire Department (WLFD) on December 28, 2025. The news follows reports of police activity on Saddle River Road, which authorities later clarified was related to the sudden passing of the beloved former Fire Official.
