Community leaders delivered a video of the solemn procession taking his body to the medical examiner’s office.
Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann said a press conference later today “will reveal more about this wonderful volunteer firefighter who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.”
The firefighter, who has not been publicly identified, was killed along with a resident after flames broke out in the Evergreen Court For Adults on Lafayette Street just after 1am on Tuesday.
Part of the building collapsed as firefighters fought the blaze.
A firefighter rushed into the burning building to rescue residents, and officials think he became disoriented and couldn’t find his way out.
1 dead, firefighter missing after massive fire in assisted living in New York
He was one of the first on the scene and sent out a mayday, but other firefighters were unable to save him.
Between 20 and 25 residents were rescued by firefighters from what was described as a chaotic scene.
Ten were taken to local hospitals for treatment, and one was later pronounced dead.
Two other firefighters were injured, one of whom appeared to have had a medical condition, possibly a heart attack. The other was treated and released.
All Rockland County firefighters are volunteers. If they don’t risk their lives, they are postmen, bakers, police, and small business owners.
Many displaced residents were taken to nearby amenities on buses.
One resident was initially reported missing, but since then all residents have been accounted for.
It took more than six hours to get the fire under control, and firefighters spent all day fighting “a lot of hot spots” and struggling with water supply problems.
The facility, which provides assisted living, nursing home facilities and ongoing care for older adults, is a total loss.
Denise Kerr, director of the Evergreen Court Home for Adults, released the following statement on Tuesday:
“This is an unspeakable tragedy at Evergreen Court Home and our hearts and prayers go out to all individuals and families affected. We join the community in mourning the loss of our deceased resident and pray for the safety of the missing firefighter. We are fully cooperating with all state and local authorities in the investigation of this fire and also conducting our own internal investigation. , and we are eternally grateful to the first responders whose actions have undoubtedly saved lives. All 112 Evergreen Court Home residents have been accounted for and placed in a new home. We are currently in contact with their families. Anyone who wants to reach us to inquire a family member can call 973-378-1997 or email [email protected]. “
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