Seven Coeymans, New York, residents can thank quick action by local police dispatch, officers and firefighters for saving their lives last month.
Within 44 seconds from receiving the call Feb. 13, Coeymans police dispatchers David Debacco and Sue Leonardo had police officers on their way. Upon arriving on scene, AFSCME Local 2647 member Brian Rinaldi located seven people on the roof of their back porch as their house was engulfed in flames.
Officer Rinaldi quickly responded, aided by fellow officer John Favata, and cleared a path through the snow and debris to allow for the fire ladder to reach the residents. Firefighter Robert Domanico climbed the ladder and handed the children down to Officers Rinaldi and Favata and collectively they assisted the adults to safety.
“As a result of the quick and selfless acts of bravery on behalf of all personnel involved in the events of Feb. 13, seven lives were saved that day,” wrote Coeymans Chief of Police P.J. McKenna in a letter honoring dispatch for their quick response and the bravery of the officers and firefighters involved.
“This is the work that we do every day,” said AFSCME Council 82 Exec. Dir. James Lyman. “Countless women and men go to work every day with one intention: to make our communities safer. These actions exemplify the commitment public safety officers bring to the job.”
The town of Coeymans is examining transferring emergency services to the county. Police and residents together are concerned with these cuts in services. “Efforts to minimize the importance of local emergency services disregard the bravery exhibited on that day and are ill-advised,” said AFSCME Local 2647 Pres. Joseph Dunn.