Probes Continue 1 Year After Fatal Adult Home Fire

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — It's been a year since a massive blaze killed a volunteer firefighter and a elderly man at the Evergreen Court Home For Adults in Spring Valley.

The assisted living facility at 65 Lafayette St. was a converted three-story hotel built in 1903 housing 112 residents. A criminal investigation into the overnight fire, which may have started in the kitchen when ovens were ritually cleaned for Passover, is still ongoing.

Six people were charged in April and indicted in October. Two are the father-and-son rabbis who did the ritual, accused of using a propane-injected torch without a permit. Two are or were Evergreen employees, accused of hampering the emergency response. Two Spring Valley building department officials were accused of falsifying inspection records.

The day after the latter two indictments were announced, New York officials ordered Rockland County to take over the village's code enforcement operation, which was already so troubled that the state had put in a monitor. That began last month. Two weeks ago, an apartment house fire in the village led to discovery of more than 100 safety violations neglected in previous inspections.

Another investigation concerns the lack of water pressure from nearby hydrants on the day of the fire.

"Given the fact that the safety of all New Yorkers remains of utmost importance, coupled with ensuring that tragic incidents are thoroughly investigated, the Department's investigation remains active and ongoing," said Public Service Department spokesman James Denn. "We continue to work with the Rockland County District Attorney's Office to review records to come to a resolution and determination."

Meanwhile, officials of the Evergreen facility released a statement Tuesday expressing "deep sorrow for the loss of life" and support for "added focus on fire safety and proper water pressure" in Spring Valley, News 12 reported.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day issued a statement:

Today marks one year since we lost Rockland hero Firefighter Jared Lloyd and resident Oliver Hueston in a fire at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults in Spring Valley. Lloyd, a member 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.

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. Jared, 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.

As we continue to mourn his loss, and the loss of Hueston, we must remember that this 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’s death is tragic, but his legacy will live on within the hearts of his two boys, the volunteer fire service of Rockland, and the entire community of this County.

Rockland County Legislators Jay Hood Jr., Aney Paul, Alden Wolfe, Phil Soskin, Lon Hofstein, Vince Tyer, Doug Jobson, Michael Grant, Itamar Yeger, Toney Earl, Cris Carey, Laurie Santulli, Charles Falciglia, Aron Wieder, John McGowan, and James Foley said:

Today we remember the bravery and sacrifice of volunteer firefighter Jared Lloyd, who helped rescue more than 100 people during the fire at the Evergreen Court Home for Adults exactly one year ago. We also remember the loss of resident Oliver Hueston and remain grateful that so many others were able to be saved due to the heroic actions of Jared and other first responders. Our thoughts remain with Jared’s mother Sabrail, his father Calvin, his sons Logan and Darius, his many friends and his fellow firefighters, who work so selflessly to keep others safe every day.

SEE ALSO:

• Adult Home Fire: Manslaughter, Arson, False Report Charges
• Village Hall Raided In Investigation Of Fatal Nursing Home Fire
• Street To Be Renamed In Memory Of Firefighter Jared Lloyd
• Rabbis Indicted Over Fatal Adult Home Fire