TARRYTOWN – The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) has named deceased Spring Valley firefighter Jared Lloyd their 2021 “Firefighter of the Year”. Lloyd perished in a multi-alarm fire at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults after saving more than 50 residents of the assisted living facility.
“Lloyd’s actions not only saved many of the residents and staff members, but he was also personally responsible for saving the life of a brother firefighter,” said former Spring Valley Fire Department Chief Kenneth Conjura in nominating Lloyd for the posthumous honor for his selfless actions on March 23, 2021.
Representatives from several hundred of the 1,631 volunteer fire departments in New York were in the room on Wednesday when the honor was accepted by Firefighter Lloyd’s mother Sabrail Davenport and Lloyd’s youngest son, Darius. The two were joined by Spring Valley Fire Department Battalion Chief Marcos Padilla, who was with Lloyd the night of the fire. “We will continue to do our jobs and continue to make you proud,” Padilla said, after accepting the FASNY plaque on behalf of Lloyd’s department.
“This is one more accolade that lets me know the impact Jared made in his life,” Mrs. Davenport told Mid-Hudson News. “His story has touched so many hearts,” she said. Lloyd’s death left two young boys without a father. The older son Logan was on a family trip and not at the ceremony. Darius, the younger son joined his grandmother and family members in Tarrytown. “They miss their dad,” she added. “I tell them ‘your dad is with you in your heart’ and they understand,” said the mom of the fallen hero.
Mrs. Davenport said that she is saving all of the condolences, honors, and other memorabilia that have been received since Firefighter Lloyd’s death. “I keep everything in a box and occasionally show things to the boys,” she said with a subtle smile. Mrs. Davenport said that the items will eventually be given to her two grandsons.
