Helicopter pilot killed in Manhattan crash was former Dutchess County fire chief

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Tim MCCormack - 1961-2019

NEW YORK – The helicopter pilot who died when his twin-engine chopper crashed into the roof of a Manhattan skyscraper during bad weather on Monday afternoon has been identified as Tim McCormack of Clinton Corners, a past chief of the East Clinton Fire District.

Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro said the county mourns his loss. He followed “in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as distinguished first responders in Poughkeepsie, and we extend our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.”

Molinaro said McCormack “served his community well through his selfless service as a former first responder, and we share our sympathies with his loved ones during this difficult time.”

McCormack was with the fire department from 1994 to 2019 and served as chief for 10 years.

He was previously a member of the LaGrange Fire Department.

“Tim was a dedicated, highly professional and extremely well-trained firefighter,” a post of the East Clinton Facebook page stated. “Tim’s technical knowledge and ability to command an emergency were exception. Chief McCormack was extremely respected by not only the members of the department, but throughout the Dutchess County fire service. Tim will be exceptionally missed by this department’s members, not only for his leadership but for his wonderful sense of humor. Rest in peace, brother,” the post stated.

McCormack was the brother of Dutchess County Republican Party Chairman Michael McCormack.