Lynbrook Fire Department marks 60 years since deadly fire truck collision

Fire department members at the ceremony promised to honor the service and sacrifice of the victims.

Lauren Pena

Apr 30, 2023, 4:07 PM

Updated 592 days ago

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The Lynbrook Fire Department held a memorial service honoring the victims of a deadly fire truck collision that devastated the community 60 years ago.
Four lives were lost after Engine Company 1 and Tally-Ho Engine Company 3 collided at a rain-slicked intersection while racing to a house fire.
The accident killed volunteer firefighters Joseph Fischer, Peter Moody and William Koch. Rosalie Roy, a crossing guard who had been helping children cross the street, also died after being struck in the crash.
Former First Assistant Chief Karl Thuge, 95, was the first to arrive at the scene.
“I saw the two pumpers collided and realized how serious it was,” he said.
Fire department members at the ceremony promised to honor the service and sacrifice of the victims. The department also saved a photo album with old newspaper clippings about the fallen firefighters. New members are encouraged to look at it and learn from their example.
Fire Captain Sean Hynes grew up hearing stories about tragic accident. After browsing through the scrapbook, he learned the trio of fallen firefighters were not scheduled for duty that day but answered the call anyway.
“They took their spare time to come down here and make the call. Unfortunately, it was their last call,” he said.
Fire officials like Hynes say they will honor the fallen firefighters for generations to come.
“It's something we'll never forget,” said ex-Chief James Hillgardner.