Honoring Jared Lloyd
Last week I was able to honor Columbian Engine Company #1, Spring Valley Lt. Jared Lloyd during a relatively private service at the Rockland County Fire Training Center in Pomona. It was my privilege to present the Al DeFlumere Award of Valor to Jared’s mother, father, two sons and the Columbian Engine Company #1.
The history of the Award dates back to October 30, 1996, when a working structure fire started at Foxies’ Bar in Blauvelt. The owner of the bar, Albert ‘Foxie’ DeFlumere, lived upstairs above the establishment with his wife Cathy, his 9-year-old son Ryan, 6-year-old son Matt and 5-year-old son Travis.
After trying to awaken his family Foxie (as he was affectionally known) determined that they were unable to escape via the stairwell to the first floor due to the intensity of the fire. He then quickly assisted his wife and two of his sons out a second-floor window onto a first-floor roof. His 6-year-old son Matt who was a very deep sleeper was not awakened by the commotion. Foxie went back inside, located Matt but was unable to make it out of the building. When the search teams located Foxie, he was found with his son Matt just a few feet from the window where the rest of his family had safely exited.
The Al DeFlumere Award of Valor was created soon after to pay tribute to Foxie and others who have shown unusual heroism and courage in risking their lives, while attempting to save the lives of others.
I would now like to share with you some of my remarks for the award ceremony:
We come together today to remember and honor a true American hero. Firefighter Jared Lloyd of the Columbian Engine Company #1 gave his life in the service to others. As a former first responder myself I understand that the work we do is inherently dangerous, but this has been a difficult loss for our county and for all the volunteers who risk their lives day after day protecting us.
Despite the collective pain we all feel for his loss, our focus today is not on how Jared died but rather how he lived. Jared spent years of his life serving our community. Stepping forward time and time again to help those in need during their darkest hour. His dedication and “I’ll be there” attitude were always on display.
His passion for service started early and grew when the Columbian Engine Company #1 became his second family. He loved firefighting, but his love for volunteering did not diminish his other pursuits.
Jared was a dedicated father to his two sons, Logan and Darius. And part of what we are doing here today is sending the message once again to each of them that this Rockland community will always be by your side. We will support you the way Jared supported us.
Jared’s death is tragic, but his legacy will live on within the hearts of his two boys and the entire volunteer fire service of Rockland County. While we mourn his loss, we must also remember that his tale of heroism will not ever be forgotten and will serve as an inspiration for others to step forward, volunteer and serve their community.
Jared was one of the first to arrive at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults, and he knew he had one job to do and that was to rescue the residents who were trapped inside as the fire intensified. While we may never know how many residents Jared saved that morning, we know that he, along with firefighters, police officers and others who responded with him, helped guide, carry, pull, and drag 112 senior citizens away from a raging inferno.
Those folks, some infirm or physically limited, were rescued thanks to Jared. He searched as the building burned; determined to rescue anyone and everyone who may have been trapped. We know that awards, honors and accolades will not bring the closure and understanding that we still seek. But they do demonstrate the depth of caring and appreciation that Rockland holds for Jared Lloyd.
The complete ceremony is available for viewing on the Rockland Gov Facebook page here: https://fb.watch/6iZSgHLnTu/
Those wishing to contribute to the GoFundMe to support Jared’s family and sons can find more information here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/firefighter-jared-lloyd-fundraiser
