By Kevin Shea
nj.com
TRENTON, N.J. — Joseph Kokulo’s Army uniform was hanging in his bedroom Friday night, pressed and ready to wear at Trenton Central High School’s homecoming parade Saturday.
The parade, though, turned into a makeshift vigil.
Kokulo, an 18-year-old cadet in the school’s Junior ROTC program, died in the ferocious Friday night fire that swept through seven homes on on North Olden Avenue.
The cause of the fire, reported just before 11 p.m. , remains under investigation Sunday.
The ROTC program recalled Kokulo in a social media post as, “not only a dedicated cadet but also a loyal friend, a natural leader, and a person of strong character and unwavering integrity.
“Throughout his time with us, Joseph exemplified the highest standards of discipline, commitment, and respect. He approached every challenge with determination. His positive spirit, quiet strength, and willingness to support others left a lasting impact on everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” the post said.
“His loss is immeasurable,” Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora said in a Sunday statement.
The Trenton Public Schools have mobilized grief counselors to help students and staff cope with the tragedy, the mayor said.
“We’ve assured students, including one worried about her school-issued iPad, that their focus should be on healing—not material items,” Gusciora said.
The city continues to mourn Kokulo’s death and now turns to recovery and healing for the number of families and residents now without a home. Two people remain hospitalized with burns, one in critical condition, he said.
“We are grateful to all who have offered prayers, condolences, and assistance,” the mayor said. Anyone wishing to help but unsure where to turn can direct message Gusciora on Facebook and he’ll connect you with a city health coordinator, he said.
The mayor noted that joining city firefighters offered “powerful displays of courage” in their work Friday.
Also assisting was a good Samaritan, Donnie Wilson, who stopped his vehicle and ran to the aid of a child he saw escape the fire. The child cried out that his grandmother was inside, so Wilson went in and helped her to safety, even trying to save her beloved cats so she would leave, Gusciora said.
Two Ewing police officers, Alim Djemilev and Denisse Strublik, were among the first on scene and alerted residents to the fire and led many to safety.
“Thank God for the intervention of the two officers that happened to be here,” Gusciora told NBC10 in Philadelphia . “They did an amazing job just to coach people to come out and try to save themselves.”
The 1200 block of North Olden Avenue is just a few blocks from the Ewing line and the police department said they too were getting overflow 911 calls about the fire. Both officers was treated for smoke inhalation and released from a local hospital after the fire, the department said.
The city’s Department of Health & Human Services is aiding families to assess immediate needs for food, clothing, and long-term support along with the American Red Cross of New Jersey, who is providing temporary housing and aid to 16 people in three families.
Fundraisers are ongoing, Gusciora said.
Council President Yazminelly Gonzalez led an impromptu fundraiser Saturday night at the Trenton Polish American Democratic Club, TPAD’s, located a block away on North Olden Avenue , which raised $600 for families.
And the Trenton Central class of 2005 and Kevin Hines are organizing a fundraiser at Cooper’s Riverview as well.
“Together, we grieve. Together, we rebuild. Hug the ones you love,” the mayor said.
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