TARRYTOWN – Jared Lloyd, who perished in a 2021 fire at an adult home in Spring Valley, was posthumously honored Wednesday with the Hero Award by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York during the organization’s annual convention.
Sabrail Davenport, Lloyd’s mother, accepted the honors, standing on the dais clutching the hand of Darius Lloyd, Jared’s youngest son who was just 5 when his dad died March 23, 2021, rescuing residents and staff in a massive fire at Evergreen Court Home For Adults.
The 35-year-old Spring Valley volunteer firefighter was a member of Columbian Fire Engine Co. No. 1 and among some 125 volunteer firefighters to respond to the fire at the adult home.
In the 53 minutes Lloyd and fellow firefighters scoured the multi-story building searching for residents, Viber alarms, alerting firefighters that they were running out of air, could be heard throughout the building.
After the last victim was handed off to fellow firefighters, Lloyd became disoriented and apparently got trapped. He put out a mayday call. Although time ran out to rescue him, Lloyd’s call ended up leading to the rescue of fellow firefighter Eric Cich, who was found out of air, in the hallway. He was transported to Westchester Medical Center.
An Evergreen resident also died in the blaze.
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A criminal investigation into the fire has brought manslaughter and other charges against two rabbis, who had been at the facility earlier performing pre-Passover cleaning of the ovens; the village’s chief building inspector has also been charged with criminal charges in relation to his duties.
After the fatal blaze, the state tasked Rockland County with taking over Spring Valley’s building department.
All told, 112 residents were rescued due to volunteers’ actions, including Lloyd’s.
“He saved multiple residents and staff,” a statement by Spring Valley Fire Chief Kenny Conjura said. “And he is personally responsible for saving the life of his fellow firefighter and friend.” Cich is young Darius’ godfather.
After FASNY President John Farrell Jr. draped a medal around Davenport’s neck and handed the family a plaque, he kneeled next to Darius and quietly told the young boy, “This is for the work that your Daddy did.”
Spring Valley Fire Department Battalion Chief Marcos Padilla told hundreds of firefighters and auxiliary members from around the state that, in Lloyd’s memory, the department would “continue to do our jobs. We will continue to make you proud.”
Lloyd received the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor from President Joe Biden on May 16. Last month, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation to name a stretch of Route 45 “The Jared Lloyd Memorial Highway.”
Like all of Rockland’s departments, SVFD is 100% volunteer.
Frank Voce, past president of the Rockland County Volunteer Fire Association, made sure he was at the 150th FASNY convention to honor Lloyd.
“Spring Valley is the busiest department in the county,” Voce said. Columbian, the engine company, “can respond to calls all day long.”
“I’m very proud to be here today … for Jared’s family,” said the Congers volunteer.
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