April 18, 2014 (Harrison, NJ) Newly appointed Harrison Mayor James Fife sustained a heart attack on Thursday, April 17, 2014, and was rushed to St. Michael's Medical Center where he underwent an operation to unblock his aortic valve.


Harrison Mayor James Fife. Photo courtesy Jersey Journal.

Mayor Fife is currently recovering from a successful surgery and will be undergoing rehabilitation in the next 6 to 8 weeks. Council President Michael Dolaghan will be taking over the duties of the Mayor on an interim basis.



Councilman James Doran, who is the chairman of the Harrison Democratic Party, stated “He should be a new man in about six weeks” referring to Mayor Fife.

On the heals of the sudden death of Mayor Raymond McDonough, questions are being raised by those concerned about Mayor James Fife's health as to whether the 73 year old can return to assume the responsibilites of Mayor of the Town of Harrison and/or should he be put in that situation because of political reasons.

Prior to Mayor Fife's appointment several council members expressed interest in assuming the responsibilities of being Harrison's Mayor but agreed to support then Harrison Board of Education Chairman and Harrison Redevelopment Chairman James Fife to provide a smooth transition in an election year. That decision may not be prudent given the changed circumstances brought about by Mayor Fife's heart attack.