2 Storied Career First Responders Found Dead As Hudson Valley Fire Departments, EMS Services Share Grief

PLATTEKILL, NY — First responders are in mourning across the Hudson Valley, following tragic events that unfolded in Ulster County.

An investigation is underway in Plattekill after two well-known and beloved first responders were found dead late Friday night at a Milton Turnpike address, according to the Ulster County Sheriff's Office.

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The sheriff's office said it is investigating the deaths with the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Plattekill Police Department. On Aug. 21, around 11:42 p.m., deputies, Plattekill police officers, and state troopers responded to a report of two unconscious people at the address.

Statement from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger Regarding the Deaths of James and Melinda Brugger:

"We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of James and Melinda Brugger on their sudden passing. Both dedicated their lives to serving and protecting their communities, and their loss is felt deeply in Ulster County and across the region," Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said in a statement. "We are keeping their family, colleagues, and fellow first responders in our thoughts during this difficult time. Their deaths remain under investigation by the Ulster County Sheriff's Office to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragedy."

When police and EMS personnel arrived, both were determined to be dead, according to the sheriff's office. The agency described the couple only as a 66-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman.

"At this time, we do not have any reason to believe there is any threat to the public," the sherrif's department said.

In a separate statement, the Ulster County EMS Council said it was aware of "the incident that occurred last evening involving two well known Ulster County First Responders, James 'Jimmy' Brugger and his wife Melinda 'Mindy' Brugger."

The EMS Council said Jimmy Brugger served as a career lieutenant with the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department and was a past chief of the Plattekill Fire Department. He was a state and county fire instructor and a bagpiper in the Hudson Valley.

"It is with profound sadness and devastation that the Plattekill Fire Department announces the sudden and unexpected passing of Past Chief James 'Jimmy' Brugger and his wife, Past EMS Captain Melinda 'Mindy' Brugger," the department said in a heart-rending statement. "Our hearts are broken. We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to their entire family. May they find strength in each other and comfort in the love and memories shared by so many."

The department said that no further information will be released at this time out of respect for the couple's loved ones.

"We respectfully ask that everyone allow the family the privacy and space to grieve as arrangements are made," Plattekill Fire Department officials said. "Rest easy, Jimmy and Mindy. You will never be forgotten."

Melinda Brugger was an EMT and CPR instructor who was employed by the Westchester Medical Center network. According to the statement, she was involved in helping Westchester Medical Center sponsor the EMS Council's annual Education Day in recent years.

"There is always help available. No one should ever go through a tough time alone," Ulster County EMS Council President Jeff Ashdown urged. "If you need someone to listen to you, or maybe just need someone to talk to, reach out. You are not alone! We are there for each other in the first responder community, no matter what."

The EMS Council offered condolences for the couple's loved ones, and the community of first responders who worked closely with the couple.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Brugger family and all the organizations they were a part of during this very sad time. May they Rest in Peace," the council said in a statement.

The tragedy hit hard among first responders across the Hudson Valley, and as far away as the the Sound Shore.

"The New Rochelle Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of retired Poughkeepsie Fire Department Firefighter Jimmy Brugger and his wife, Mindy, following their unexpected passing," the department said in a statement.

No official cause or manner of death has been released so far. The sheriff's office said more information will be released as it becomes available.