All,
We regret to pass on that Cottekill (Ulster County, NY) Fire Chief David Gagnon was killed in the line of duty on Friday, while working at a call. Around 1500 hours the Cottekill Fire Department responded to a call for a tree down on Lucas Turnpike near the Rosendale Police Department. Shortly after responding, an emergency call to dispatch indicated a tree had fallen on a person, later identified as Chief Gagnon, at 1527 hours and requested EMS, including a medevac helicopter.
Rather than wait for the helicopter, the Marbletown Rescue Squad, accompanied by a Kingston Fire Department paramedic, transported Chief Gagnon to Health Alliance Hospital, with Gagnon in traumatic arrest.
The chief succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
3rd FATALITY FOLLOWING MAINE SILO FIRE & EXPLOSION
The co-owner of that Maine lumber mill has died from injuries he sustained during the fire and explosion at the facility, bringing to three the number of fatalities. Alden J. Robbins tragically died Thursday from injures he suffered in the May 15 fire at Robbins Lumber in Searsmont.
As you know, 2 Firefighters died in the Line of Duty from injures sustained while fighting the fire. They were Searsmont Assistant Fire Chief Wayne Woodbury, 76; and Andrew Cross, 27, of the Morrill Volunteer Fire Department. Ten people were injured, including Robbins’ daughter Lily.
Our condolences to all those affected. Rest in peace.
Take care. Be careful. Pass it on.
BillyG
The Secret List 7-4-2026 0908 hours
www.FireFighterCloseCalls.com
