The man killed in a fiery crash on the Elizabeth-Newark border on Friday evening has been identified as a former Elizabeth Police Officer.
The victim, Jim Varga, reportedly joined the Elizabeth Police Department in 1984 and had the respect of many in the community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVrMOE0LcBI
According to the Essex County Prosecutor's Office, Elizabeth firefighters responded to the 600 block of Jefferson Avenue after a vehicle crashed into a utility pole causing a transformer to fall on the vehicle.
Authorities said heavy fire engulfed the vehicle with Varga, the sole occupant inside, perishing at the scene.
The cause and manner of death are pending an autopsy authorities said.