Randolph schools superintendent burned in garage fire
Was on medical leave since Sept. 8; condition unknown
Randolph Schools Superintendent David M. Browne was found badly burned Tuesday outside his home in Wyckoff, according to police.
Browne, who was on a 30-day medical leave announced on Sept. 8, was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center by the Wyckoff Volunteer Ambulance Corps. The hospital said Wednesday morning that he was not a patient.
According to Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin C. Fox, township patrol officers were dispatched at 2:44 p.m. to a report of a fire at Browne's residence at 380 Wyckoff Ave. When they arrived, they found a detached garage fully engulfed in flames, and Browne, 55, lying outside of the garage with burns to his body.
The fire was extinguished by the Wyckoff Volunteer Fire Department with assistance from several surrounding fire departments. The garage and its contents were destroyed. There was no damage to the main living quarters of the home. The cause of the fire is under investigation with the assistance of the Bergen County Arson Investigation Unit.
No reason was given for Browne's medical leave from the 4,900-student, six-school district, but at the time. Randolph Board of Education President Tammy MacKay said "I'm confident he'll be back soon."
According to state records, Browne was earning $167,500 annually. Assistant Superintendent Jennifer A. Fano is serving as acting superintendent.
Representatives of the Randolph School District, which held a Board ofEeducation meeting Tuesday night, did not respond to request for comment on Wednesday.
Staff Writer William Westhoven: 973-917-9242; wwesthoven@GannettNJ.com.