18 Year Old Rockland County Firefighter Dies While Battling Wildfire

The County mourns the loss of 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez who died in the line of duty battling a wildfire in Greenwood Lake.

“Tragedy has struck our community with the heartbreaking loss of Park Ranger Dariel Vasquez, a local hero,” County Executive Ed Day said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fellow Rangers & first responders during this devastating time. Without question, Rockland has lost a true hero.”

We remind residents that there is still a burn ban in effect and in the current dry conditions brush fires can quickly escalate into something deadly.

This unfortunate loss of life goes to show you that any and all fire fighting operations are inherently dangerous. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his coworkers at the New York State park department, said Rockland County Fire & Emergency Services Director Chris Kear.