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One Baltimore officer charged in Gray's death was N.J. firefighter

One of the Baltimore police officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray is a former volunteer firefighter in Gloucester County.

One of the Baltimore police officers charged in the death of Freddie Gray is a former volunteer firefighter in Gloucester County.

Edward M. Nero, 29, volunteered at the Washington Township Fire Department from 2002 until 2012, Fire Chief John Hoffman said Saturday.

Nero was one of six Baltimore officers charged Friday in the death of Gray, 25, who suffered a serious spinal cord injury last month while in police custody.

His death led to mass protests in Baltimore, where some protesters damaged property and city officials instituted a curfew.

Nero has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault, one count of false imprisonment, and two counts of misconduct in office, according to court documents.

He turned himself in to police Friday and has been released on bond, court records show.

Hoffman had nothing but good things to say about Nero.

"His service with us was outstanding," Hoffman said. "He was a very dedicated firefighter. He was an all-around good guy for us."

- Michaelle Bond