ALBANY – The names of five Hudson Valley firefighters who have died in the line of duty have been added to the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Albany.
“New York is proud to honor the heroic service of our firefighters who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of protecting us from danger,” said Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul. “This memorial is an enduring reminder that we cherish their bravery, their mission, and their loved ones.”
Those whose names were added to the memorial were:
Timothy Gunther, a Poughkeepsie City firefighter, who died on May
5, 2015;
Fred Edwards, a firefighter in the Liberty Fire Department, who died on May 7, 2014;
Kevin Bristol, a member of the Peekskill Fire Department, who died on March 3, 2014;
Kevin Townes, Sr., a Mount Vernon firefighter, who died on December 8, 2011;
David Smith, a captain in the Howells Fire Company #1, who died on April 11, 2006.
State Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner John Melville, a Goshen resident, said, “No matter what size community they serve, all firefighters are dedicated to protecting their fellow citizens and communities from disasters, and we are grateful for their commitment, dedication and professionalism toward keeping us and our loved ones safe.”
