Atlantic City firefighter dies after being struck by train

An Atlantic City firefighter fatally struck by a train Monday dedicated his life to protecting the city, his chief said. Albert Mallen Jr., 45, of Egg Harbor Township, was fatally hit by the Atlantic City Rail Line headed from Atlantic City to Philadelphia, NJ Transit spokesman Jim Smith said. “Our department mourns the loss of a brother, a friend and a hero,” Fire Chief Scott Evans said of the 19-year veteran. The train left Atlantic City at 6:40 a.m. headed to Philadelphia. None of the 150 customers and crew onboard was injured. Smith could not comment on the cause of the incident, referring that to the Medical Examiner’s Office. Information on the investigation was not immediately available. Known to his friends and family as Albie, Mallen “dedicated his life to the protection of the Atlantic City communities.” He was an “integral part” of the 200 Club of Atlantic and Cape May Counties, said Evans of the group that gives financial help for families of police, fire and rescue workers who have been killed or badly hurt in the line of duty. Mallen’s father, Albert Sr., was a State Police trooper killed in the line of duty in 1985, one year before the local club was started. Mallen Sr.'s widow, Peggy, was one of the founding members. "We extend our most sincere condolences to his family," Evans said. Especially his mother, Peggy, and his two beloved sons, Gavin and Ryan." Black bunting adorns one fire station in Atlantic City.