Firefighter Dies From Injuries Sustained While on Duty
The Tioga Center Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of its long-time members, as 81-year-old Leroy Kemp was killed in the Line of Duty on January 13, 2010, when he responded to an emergency squad call. Kemp, a member of the Tioga Center FD & Emergency Squad, was en route to a cardiac call in nearby Nichols when he was involved in the three-vehicle crash. FF Kemp was killed on impact. Initial details are that as he responded to the firehouse, there was an accident involving a car and a recycling truck, which blocked the road. It appears that he did not see the accident until the last minute, and attempted evasive action, but could not avoid the other vehicles. He struck the recycling truck and was killed on impact.
Kemp was the fire company chief from 1985 to 1987, and a fire commissioner from 1987 until his death. He was also a retired member of the Tioga County Fire Investigation Team. He was serving as the chairman of the Tioga Fire District, captain of the fire police, and company chaplain.
Village of Owego Mayor Ed Arrington, a volunteer firefighter who was at the scene of the accident, said the village will fly its flags at half staff in honor of Kemp. “It’s a very sad day,” he said.
Kemp's son Milt is chief of the Tioga Center Fire Department, where Kemp Sr. served for more than 60 years.
–Ed.
Line of Duty Death
Paul A. Bazinet, 53, a New York State firefighter and EMT with Empire Ambulance from Queensbury, died from cardiac arrest on Sunday evening, January 3, 2010. Bazinet was completing a transport when he complained of feeling winded and has his partner drive him to the hospital. Bazinet became unresponsive en route, at which time his partner began treatment. Bazinet was transported to Saratoga Hospital, where he later died.
Bazinet was a graduate of Glens Falls High School in 1975, and proceeded to work at Web Graphics in Queensbury until retiring in 2006.
His passion to help others was endless. He served with many emergency service organizations over the years. He was currently employed as an Emergency Medical Technician with Empire Ambulance since 1995 and as a technician in the Emergency Room at Glens Falls Hospital. He will be fondly remembered by this extended family.
Bazinet was predeceased in death by his maternal grandparents, Ruth Chase Clark, Lynwood Chase, and paternal grandparents, Elizabeth and Joseph Bazinet all of Glens Falls.
Survivors include his loving wife, Devon Bazinet of Queensbury; his parents, William and Natalie Bazinet of Glens Falls; one sister, Julie Clum and her husband, Scott, and their son, Peter, all of Cleveland, Ohio; two brothers, Joe and his wife, Ann, and their children, Stephen and Dominique, of Glens Falls and Andy and his companion, Laurie Etu, of South Glens Falls; his father and mother-in-law, Leon and Paulette Prescher of Blue Earth, Minn.; one brother-in-law, Shawn Prescher and his wife, Heather and their children, Connor Reilly, Owen and Sadie, all of Lacy, Wash.; one uncle, Arthur Bazinet of Ballston Spa; also several cousins and dear friends.
A memorial service followed the calling hours at the funeral home with his father, Deacon Bill Bazinet, officiating. Interment will take place at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Glens Falls at a time to be announced in the spring.
-Information and photo courtesy of the Glens Falls Post Star
Rombout Fire Company
William “Billy” Brooks
The members of the Rombout Fire Company bid final farewell to past fire commissioner William “Billy” Brooks on December 12, 2009. He was a life member and one of the original five Fire Commissioners of the Rombout Fire District. He was a life- long advocate for volunteer fire service in New York State and was a member of the New York State Fire Districts Association. He was an early supporter and worked tirelessly to help guide the passage, of the law that provides retirement benefits for volunteer firemen across New York State.
He served in the US Army Air Corps during World War II as a gunner in B-29’s in the Pacific Theatre. After the service he was the owner and operator of Ridgefield Farms. Billy was a founding member, a charter member, and a life member as well as a Fire Commissioner of the Rombout Fire District, a position he served from 1971 to 1998. Billy was a life member of Protection Engine Company in the Village of Fishkill, honorary life member of Slater Chemical, Hughsonville Fire Company, Morrisville Fire Company and a founding member of Dutchess Junction Fire Company. He also was an honorary member of the New York State Police PBA, held a charter medallion in the New York Sheriff's Association, a member of the New York State Investigators Association, the New York State Magistrates Association, Master Mason in the Phillipstown Lodge and member of American Legion Post #1758. After a full firematic service at the Fishkill United Methodist Church, a burial with military honors followed at Fishkill Rural Cemetery. Bill Brooks wishes that any memorial donations may be made to the Volunteer Fireman’s Home, F.A.S.N.Y.,125 Harry Howard Avenue, Hudson, NY 12534.
Provided by Kevin Barry
