Senator Michael Testa (R-1) remembered the victims of the Boland Hall dormitory fire at Seton Hall University on the 23rd anniversary of the tragic event. Three students lost their lives and 58 were injured in the fire that occurred in the early morning hours of January 19, 2000, when most residents were sleeping.

Sen. Michael Testa remembered the victims of the Boland Hall dormitory fire at Seton Hall University on the 23rd anniversary of the tragic event. (Pixabay)

“As a young attorney, I had the sad duty of representing the family of John Guinta, one of the three students who died in the fire. Today, I remember John, the other victims, Aaron Karol and Frank Caltabilota, and their families and loved ones who will never stop mourning their loss.

“While the fire at Boland Hall was a preventable tragedy, I am thankful it led to a national conversation that resulted in the passage of new laws and fire safety improvements that have made dormitories safer on college campuses across the country. I have absolutely no doubt that lives have been saved in the ensuing years as a result.”

Following the Boland Hall fire, New Jersey passed legislation requiring all dormitories to have fire sprinklers installed.