Sometime after 8:00am Captain Mike Melillo and Commissioner Ed Brancati arrive at the firehouse. Captain Melillo, to do some computer work and Commissioner Brancati to use the Exercise Room. Captain Melillo as is his practice walked the Apparatus Bays to make sure all was well. This morning Captain Melillo found nothing out of the ordinary. After thirty minutes on the tread mill Commissioner Brancati noticed what looked like smoke coming out of the vents in the Exercise Room. Commissioner Brancati found Captain Melillo and went downstairs to investigate the smoke. They found heavy smoke in the Apparatus Bays and heavy fire in the back of the Rescue Bay. Smoke alarms were sounding. At 9:14 the Fire Department received a Commercial Alarm at our Headquarters. Commissioner Brancati called 911 to report the fire, in addition a neighbor that lives behind the firehouse also called 911 reporting heavy black smoke.
First arriving units from Croton Falls found heavy black smoke coming out of the Rescue Bays and heavy fire in the back of the building. Captain Melillo geared up including an air pack and tried in vain to get the Rescue Bay door open. Turning his attention to the Main Apparatus floor he started removing the apparatus from the building. It was at this time that Captain Melillo was incapacitated and EMS summoned. Captain Melillo was subsequently transported to Northern Westchester Emergency Department where he was treated and released.
Firefighters worked valiantly to keep the rapidly advancing fire contained to the part of the building that was built in 1988. Finally the fire was brought under control by the numerous Fire Departments and Firefighters. Firefighters now concentrated their efforts in salvage operations. The Golden's Bridge Fire Department is forever in the debt of those who came to our aid that fateful day.
While we are heartbroken by our loss we are concentrating on the road ahead. The out pouring of offers of help are heart warming. We thank everyone for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers as we prepare for the long rebuilding process. We are still, a week later, coming to grips with all that has happened and taking inventory of what was lost.
We are in the process of putting together a needs list. Probably at this time monetary donations would be greatly appreciated. You may follow the "donation" link to the left, or can be mailed to;
Golden's Bridge Fire Department
PO Box 127
Goldens Bridge NY 10526
Offers for Firematic Equipment can be directed to Chiefs@goldensbridgefd.org
Other inquiries can be addressed to president@goldensbridgefd.org

We again thank everyone for their support and we will be back stronger than before!!!