Highest levels of courage and service

Dear Editor,

Condolences to the Rae and Enwright families. They lost loved ones at the Old Shop Road fire April 16, in South Salem.

It's important to remember and acknowledge the valiant and hard work of the first responders who risked their lives and sustained injury working at the house fire on Old Shop Road.

County Police officer Brett Schlosser was the first to arrive. He worked with the Lewisboro police officers, trying to gain entry into the burning house. Lewisboro P.D. Sgt. Andrew Llewellyn and Lewisboro officer Joseph Briggs feverously attempted to make entry into the burning house but were pushed back from the heat and flames.

Sgt. Llewellyn sustained burns to his face. He was hospitalized and released later that day. Officer Briggs had serious second degree burns and was hospitalized at the Westchester County Burn Center ICU for a week. Lewisboro police officer Thomas Ritchey assisted in the attempts to gain entry along with South Salem Fire Capt. Avery Scott. Captain Scott, who was part of the small group of first responders at the house fire, provided essential fire information and updates to the responding chief and 60 control dispatch center.

His leadership and direction helped expedite essential fire resources to the scene. He also was briefly hospitalized and released later that day.

Residents and readers be reminded that more than 100 firefighters in full turnout gear and air packs fought this fire for several hours in near 80-degree heat. Two civilians lost their lives and were recovered that day.

Thank you to all the first responders for your courage and valor that day and every day.

-Michael J. Lombardi, firefighter and past chief, South Salem Fire Department