Lakewood officials and the community pause today to honor the memory of two brave firefighters, Stanley J. Marks and Alex Latyshev, who lost their lives in the line of duty during the tragic Hotel Allaben fire on December 23, 1976.
On that fateful night, at 1:20 AM, a general alarm summoned the Lakewood Fire Department to the Hotel Allaben, located at the intersection of Monmouth and Fifth Streets. A fire had broken out, and three firefighters – Stanley Marks, Alex Latyshev, and George Reynolds – entered the burning building as part of a hose crew operating on the second floor.
As the fire raged, conditions inside the hotel rapidly deteriorated. A flashover occurred, trapping the three men. The collapse of the floor in their operating area proved fatal for Marks and Latyshev. Marks perished that morning, while Latyshev, severely burned, was rushed to St. Agnes Hospital’s burn unit in Philadelphia. Following weeks of treatment, he succumbed to his injuries on January 26, 1977. Firefighter George Reynolds survived but sustained serious injuries, managing to exit the building under his own power.
Stanley Marks, a member of Junior Hose Company #3 since 1964, dedicated over 12 years to the fire service. He served as a lieutenant and later as captain from 1972 to 1974. In 1974, he was elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners and, at the time of his death, was serving as its president.
Alex Latyshev, 24, a volunteer firefighter with Junior Hose Company #3, had only recently married and was working as a guard at the Rahway State Prison. His commitment to protecting Lakewood came to define his short but impactful service.
In memory of their sacrifice, Lakewood continues to hold memorial ceremonies each year to reflect on the service and lives of Marks and Latyshev. Their heroism remains an enduring reminder of the risks first responders face daily.
