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Mount Vernon Fire Department

Obituaries
Beloved Longtime Firefighter, Veteran From Westchester Dies: Served Up Until Death Beloved Longtime Firefighter, Veteran From Westchester Dies: Served Up Until Death
Beloved Longtime Firefighter, Veteran From Westchester Dies: Served Up Until Death A Northern Westchester community is mourning the loss of a decorated firefighter, Navy veteran, and lifelong public servant who passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.  Somers resident Walter McDonald died on Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the age of 90, according to his obituary.  Born in Mount Vernon on Feb. 18, 1934, McDonald dedicated much of his life to serving others. His storied career began in 1957 when he was appointed as a firefighter for the Mount Vernon Fire Department, where he served with distinction for 32 years.  A leader both in skill and s…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
5 Adults, Young Child Evacuated From Burning Home In Mount Vernon 5 Adults, Young Child Evacuated From Burning Home In Mount Vernon
5 Adults, Young Child Evacuated From Burning Home In Mount Vernon Fire officials are investigating a blaze at a Westchester home that left several people, including young children, displaced.  The blaze began on Saturday, Oct. 5 just after 5 p.m., when a home at 439 Homestead Ave. in Mount Vernon caught on fire, according to city officials.  Five adults and two children, including a 7-year-old, were inside the house when the blaze began. Luckily though, firefighters were able to safely get them all out. No serious injuries were reported.  The fire was under control by 7:40 p.m., officials said, adding that the New Rochelle and Eastchester …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Commercial Building Catches On Fire In Mount Vernon Commercial Building Catches On Fire In Mount Vernon
Commercial Building Catches On Fire In Mount Vernon Thanks to quick action from firefighters, a blaze at a commercial building in Westchester was stopped from being worse than it could have been. The fire happened on Tuesday, June 11 around 5:15 p.m., when firefighters found light smoke coming from the roof of 11 Prospect Ave. in Mount Vernon, which contains several storefronts. According to Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, firefighters soon reported the incident as a working fire and quickly extinguished it.  No injuries to occupants or firefighters were reported following the blaze, Patterson-Howard said.  "The …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Cats, Dog, Rabbit Rescued From House Fire In Mount Vernon: Investigation Ongoing Cats, Dog, Rabbit Rescued From House Fire In Mount Vernon: Investigation Ongoing
Cats, Dog, Rabbit Rescued From House Fire In Mount Vernon: Investigation Ongoing Several pets, including cats, a dog, and a rabbit, were pulled out of a burning home in Westchester during a blaze that left eight people displaced.  The fire began on Thursday, Feb. 1 just before 6:45 p.m. at a Mount Vernon residence on South 10th Avenue, city officials announced.  Arriving firefighters soon found that the blaze had begun in the home's basement toward the front of the residence and began extinguishing it. Luckily, all of the home's occupants had been able to safely get out before fire crews arrived.  Crews then performed a search of the home to confirm that…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Dog Dies In Westchester Apartment Fire: Incident Now Under Investigation Dog Dies In Westchester Apartment Fire: Incident Now Under Investigation
Dog Dies In Westchester Apartment Fire: Incident Now Under Investigation Thanks to quick effort from firefighters, an apartment blaze in Westchester that caused the death of a small dog was kept from spreading to other floors or units in the building, officials said. The fire began at an apartment in Mount Vernon at 243 West 1st St. around 9 a.m., prompting Mount Vernon Fire Department crews to race to the building to contain the blaze.  According to Mount Vernon Director of Communications Timothy Allen, crews quickly entered the apartment where the fire started and searched it for occupants, initially finding no one inside. However, a second search resulte…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze
Beloved Westchester Firefighter Dies Years After Collapsing At Residential Blaze A city in Westchester is mourning the loss of a beloved firefighter who is being celebrated for his bravery and dedication to his community.  Mount Vernon Firefighter Lamont “Wise” Killian, Jr., died from heart-related issues on Monday, Dec. 11 at the age of 51, city officials announced.  According to the US Fire Administration, Killian had been off-duty since collapsing at the scene of a residential fire on June 22, 2019, when he suffered a heart attack.  Killian's city is now remembering him as someone who was always prepared to help people.  "Your bravery …

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
Blaze Forces Stop & Shop Location To Temporarily Close In Westchester Blaze Forces Stop & Shop Location To Temporarily Close In Westchester
Blaze Forces Stop & Shop Location To Temporarily Close In Westchester A Stop & Shop supermarket in Westchester is temporarily closed as the result of a fire, officials said. A blaze happened on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at the Stop & Shop on 240 East Sandford Blvd. in Mount Vernon, according to Mount Vernon Director of Communications Timothy Allen.  The fire, which began in the supermarket's heating, ventilation, and cooling system, was put out within 30 to 45 minutes by the Mount Vernon Fire Department, Allen said. After the blaze was extinguished, the supermarket was closed to the public in the interest of public safety. A licensed technician is n…

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by Ben Crnic
Obituaries
Beloved Fire Lieutenant Dies Months Before Marking 30 Years Of Service In Westchester Beloved Fire Lieutenant Dies Months Before Marking 30 Years Of Service In Westchester
Beloved Fire Lieutenant Dies Months Before Marking 30 Years Of Service In Westchester A Fire Lieutenant and former Marine who served his city in Westchester for just under thirty years is being mourned after his sudden loss.  Mount Vernon Fire Department Lieutenant Ervin "Larry" Oakes died suddenly earlier in the month, the city's police department announced on Friday, April 21.  Also affectionately known as "Oak Tree," Oakes was born and raised in Mount Vernon and served as a Marine before joining the Mount Vernon Fire Department in 1993, according to the city's Office of Emergency Management Director Michael Montes.  Oakes spent much of his c…

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by Ben Crnic
Police & Fire
ID Released For Woman Killed In Massive Five-Alarm Westchester Building Fire ID Released For Woman Killed In Massive Five-Alarm Westchester Building Fire
ID Released For Woman Killed In Massive Five-Alarm Westchester Building Fire Police have identified the woman killed in a massive five-alarm fire in Westchester.. Shortly after 6 a.m on Thursday, March 31, the fire in New Rochelle was reported on Hamilton Avenue at the intersection of North Avenue. Original story - Four-Alarm Fire Breaks Out At Commercial Building In New Rochelle Upon arrival, first responders were met by a large active fire that was engulfing the building, New Rochelle Police Capt. J Collins Coyne said, and while battling the blaze, they came across the body of resident Judith Musameci, age 60, the superintendent of the retail building. Ea…

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by Zak Failla
Obituaries
Former Fire Chief In Westchester Dies Former Fire Chief In Westchester Dies
Former Fire Chief In Westchester Dies Joseph Francis Cerrone, a former fire chief in Westchester and decorated Navy veteran, died at the age of 92. Born in Mount Vernon on Feb. 27, 1929, Cerrone attended Hamilton Elementary School and was graduated from Edison Technical and Vocational High School in 1949. He received an Associate Degree in Fire Science from Westchester Community College and a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Technology from Empire State College. Cerrone served two tours in the US Navy (1946-48 and 1950-52) and was awarded the World War II victory medal, Korean Service medal, and United Nations Korean Service medal. …

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Crews In Westchester Knock Down Difficult House Fire In Gusty Weather Conditions Crews In Westchester Knock Down Difficult House Fire In Gusty Weather Conditions
Crews In Westchester Knock Down Difficult House Fire In Gusty Weather Conditions Fire crews in Westchester had to contend with chilling cold temperatures and whipping winds when a tricky two-alarm house fire broke out. Shortly before 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 18, first responders were dispatched to a South Second Avenue home in Mount Vernon, where there was a report of smoke inside the structure. Upon arrival, crews from the Mount Vernon Fire Department found flames ripping through the roof of the residence, with billowing smoke visible for nearly a mile. The house suffered extensive smoke, fire, and water damage in the blaze, with the second story completely destroye…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
33-Year-Old Accused Of Igniting Westchester House Fire 33-Year-Old Accused Of Igniting Westchester House Fire
33-Year-Old Accused Of Igniting Westchester House Fire A Westchester man has been arrested for allegedly igniting a fire that severely damaged a home and spread to a neighboring residence. Shawn Gaillard, age 33, of Mount Vernon, was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 23, for the fire on South 7th Avenue three days earlier. On Monday, Dec. 20 around 11:30 a.m., while on patrol in the area of South 7th Avenue and Sandford Boulevard, officers found the house located at 505 South 7th Ave., fully engulfed in flames, according to the Mount Vernon Police. Officers on the scene also saw the fire spread to the adjacent house located at 507 South 7th Ave., po…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Fire Destroys Restaurant In Westchester Fire Destroys Restaurant In Westchester
Fire Destroys Restaurant In Westchester A Westchester restaurant was destroyed by an overnight fire, though firefighters were able to contain it to one building before it spread to neighboring businesses. Fire crews responded to the Mozza Restaurant and Bar on Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon at approximately 10 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 12 when a blaze broke out, officials said. The fire was largely contained to the restaurant, though neighboring Flash Cleaners and Tailors and the AD Sports Bar suffered significant water and structural damage. No injuries were reported. The fire came hours after crews worked to knock down the flame…

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by Zak Failla
News
Police ID Westchester Woman Who Crashed Into Creek After Stopping For Gas Police ID Westchester Woman Who Crashed Into Creek After Stopping For Gas
Police ID Westchester Woman Who Crashed Into Creek After Stopping For Gas Police have identified a Westchester woman who died after driving her vehicle into a creek and drowning despite heroic efforts by first responders. Sandra Fuller, age 63, of Mount Vernon, drove her gray Jeep Cherokee through a fence and plunged at least 20 feet down a ravine and into Eastchester Creek on Friday, June 4 after she had stopped for gas. "It was such a tragic accident," said Pelham Manor Det. Sgt. Greg Sancho. "Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends." Before the accident happened, Fuller can be seen on cameras at the BJs gas station in Pelham Manor at a g…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Woman Who Stopped To Get Gas Dead After Car Plunges Into Westchester County Creek Woman Who Stopped To Get Gas Dead After Car Plunges Into Westchester County Creek
Woman Who Stopped To Get Gas Dead After Car Plunges Into Westchester County Creek Click here for an updated story: Police ID Westchester Woman Who Crashed Into Creek After Stopping For Gas A woman who was stopped at a gas pump in Westchester County was dead moments later after her vehicle suddenly accelerated and ended up in an area creek. The incident took place around 7:30 a.m., Friday, June 4, in Pelham Manor, according to Mount Vernon Fire Chief Kim R. Odindo. According to Odindo, the woman can be seen on cameras at the BJs gas station in Pelham Manor at a gas pump. At one point she walks into the store and then back to the vehicle.  Earlier report:&…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Photos: McDonald's Fire Nearly Sparks Entire Block In Westchester Photos: McDonald's Fire Nearly Sparks Entire Block In Westchester
Photos: McDonald's Fire Nearly Sparks Entire Block In Westchester A fire that broke out in the kitchen of a McDonald’s in Westchester was knocked down before it could spread through an entire city block. Crews from the Mount Vernon Fire Department responded at approximately 7:40 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12 to McDonald’s on Gramatan Avenue, where there were multiple reports of smoke spreading to adjacent buildings. According to fire officials, upon arrival, crews found heavy black smoke and the fire could be seen shooting from the roof. Officials said that the fire traveled into the air ducts of the three-story commercial building. Mount Vernon fire…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Three Underground Manhole Explosions Rock Part Of Southern Westchester Three Underground Manhole Explosions Rock Part Of Southern Westchester
Three Underground Manhole Explosions Rock Part Of Southern Westchester Three underground manhole cover explosions rocked an area in Southern Westchester and left several buildings without power. The incident took place in the Fleetwood section of Mount Vernon around 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 11, on Gramatan Avenue off East Devonia with vibrations, across the area, said Mount Vernon Fire Deputy Chief Jim Lang. The department responded to the area after receiving numerous 911 calls of an explosion, Lang said.  When the department arrived on scene two more explosions occurred underground, he added. The underground manholes that exploded were electrical, and…

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by Kathy Reakes
News
Popular Westchester Pizzeria In Business 75-Plus Years Temporarily Closed Following Fire Popular Westchester Pizzeria In Business 75-Plus Years Temporarily Closed Following Fire
Popular Westchester Pizzeria In Business 75-Plus Years Temporarily Closed Following Fire A fire has forced the temporary closure of a popular Westchester pizzeria. The fire broke out at approximately 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, in a Mount Vernon shopping center on Lincoln Avenue, prompting the closure of Johnny’s Pizzeria as the owners take steps to repair damage to the building, which has been open for more than 75 years.  "Not to worry, we will be back as you all know we have been through worse the last couple of years," Johnny's said on Instagram on Sunday. "We can not thank the (Mount Vernon Fire Department) for their fast response time.” The cause of the fire is…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Fire Breaks Out At Restaurant In Westchester Fire Breaks Out At Restaurant In Westchester
Fire Breaks Out At Restaurant In Westchester Firefighters were able to knock down a fire that broke out at an area Chinese restaurant, saving several other businesses in the process. The fire, at the Hunan III at 6 Cedar St., in Bronxville, started around 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 29 from a build-up of grease in the broiler, said Eastchester Fire Chief Brian Tween. The department responded with 15 firefighters and found fire in a large broiler in the basement prep area on fire and the ductwork up to the roof also ignited, Tween said. The firefighters, with assistance from New Rochelle and Mount Vernon fire departments, were …

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Mount Vernon Firefighter Entered New Rochelle Woman's Home, Impersonated Officer, Police Say Mount Vernon Firefighter Entered New Rochelle Woman's Home, Impersonated Officer, Police Say
Mount Vernon Firefighter Entered New Rochelle Woman's Home, Impersonated Officer, Police Say A Mount Vernon firefighter was charged with entering a New Rochelle woman's home by impersonating a police officer, ABC7 reported Monday. Michael Figueroa, 26, told the woman he was a detective when he entered her Clinton Avenue home around midnight Sunday, authorities said. He had handcuffs, a holster and a block rod on his hip, the ABC7 report says. "The fire department of Mount Vernon operates with the highest integrity," the Mount Vernon fire commissioner said in a statement. "We are reviewing the incident in question. We will follow the established process and will take appropriate di…

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by Jerry DeMarco
Police & Fire
House Fire Breaks Out In Pelham House Fire Breaks Out In Pelham
House Fire Breaks Out In Pelham First responders in Pelham helped save a house after an electrical fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon. Members of the Pelham Fire Department received a report at approximately noon from a Third Avenue homeowner, where there was an electrical fire that broke out in the home. Officials said that firefighters were met by officers with the Pelham Police Department and tenants from the Third Avenue home, who reported that there was smoke and fire in a first-floor bedroom. Fire crews quickly located the source of the fire, opened up the wall and knocked down the flames within five minutes of re…

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by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
VIDEO: Firefighters Battle Two-Alarm Blaze In Mount Vernon VIDEO: Firefighters Battle Two-Alarm Blaze In Mount Vernon
Video: Firefighters Battle Two-Alarm Blaze In Mount Vernon Smoke can be seen for several miles in Mount Vernon as crews attempt to battle a raging two-alarm fire that broke out inside an East 4th Street home on Wednesday morning, trapping three residents. Officials said that the fire started at approximately 9 a.m. on Wednesday, June 13, in a large home near the Pelham town line, sending flames billowing into the air of the home. The cause of the fire was not immediately clear as firefighters attempted to knock down the flames. Flames could be seen shooting out of the roof of the home while crowds watched on as it slowly destroyed the structure and…

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by Zak Failla