SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. (WCBS 880) – The body of a missing Spring Valley firefighter who became trapped inside a burning assisted living facility was recovered overnight Tuesday, officials said.
“Early this morning the recovery efforts were successful and the body of a fallen firefighter, a hero for all, was recovered and removed with great solemnity by his fellow brothers and sisters in the fire and emergency services,” Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann wrote on Facebook.
“This is an extraordinarily difficult time for the fire services within Rockland County,” Hoehmann said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the bravest and the fellow firefighters of Spring Valley who lost a brother.”
Video from Rabbi Yisroel Kahan, of the Rockland County Commission on Human Rights, shows the firefighter’s body being escorted in a procession through Rockland County early Wednesday morning.
The firefighter, identified by officials as 35-year-old Jared Lloyd, became trapped during Tuesday morning’s fire at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults in Spring Valley.
Officials said the father of two young boys was searching for trapped residents on the third floor. Disoriented in the blinding smoke, he put out a mayday just before that portion of the building collapsed.
"Jared Lloyd gave his life in service to others. He searched as the building burned, determined to rescue anyone who may have been trapped,'' Rockland County Executive Ed Day said at a news conference. "His loss is devastating. There is no other way to put it. But I will tell you this: his loss and his heroism will never be forgotten.''
"We offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the family of Jared Lloyd, the brave firefighter who tragically lost his life Tuesday morning," a statement from the assisted living facility read. "Words cannot express the pain they must feel at this time. We hope they take comfort in knowing their son is a true hero whose bravery and courage saved countless lives."
More than 100 residents were safely evacuated and taken to nearby facilities after the blaze broke out around 1 a.m.
One resident of the facility died at a hospital after the fire, officials said. Two firefighters were also injured.
The fire destroyed the assisted living facility, with part of the building collapsing during the fire. So far, there is no indication what caused the fire or why it raged out of control.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Investigators are cataloging debris and conducting interviews. They will also scrutinize Spring Valley building inspection records.
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