Yonkers, NY -- Yonkers was shaken awake by the tragic death of Yonkers Firefighter Patrick Joyce this morning. The tragedy robbed the life of one Firefighter and severely injured two more. The call came at 1:08 AM this morning, October 2, 2009, advising that there was a structure fire at 148 Waverly Street with people trapped in the building.
Upon arrival at the scene, Yonkers Bravest entered the structure in search of residents thought to be trapped inside the three story structure. In their search for survivors, and as they canvassed each floor in search of them, a ribbon of fire would mimic their every move, stalking the three heroes into a room in which there was no escape. The fire was relentless in its drive to kill. The voracious fire caused one of the walls to collapse bringing the men face to face with the monster hell bent to take life. Options for escape evaporated, all three Firefighters were forced to jump out of the three story structure for their lives. Each was suffering from multiple degree burns. Adrenalin was the only salve that could camouflage and deflect their minds from the seering pain. There were no residents lost to the fire, they had escaped the wrath that snared Yonkers Bravest to succumb to his death and for two more to suffer the consequences and frustration of recovery
Firefighter Patrick Joyce 39 years-old Rescue Company 1's 12 years veteran died at the scene. Frantic medical attention could not save him. 54 years-old Lieutenant Joe Murray, a 27 years veteran with the Yonkers Fire Department (YFD) is in critical but stable condition, as is 38 years-old William Kanych, a 12 years veteran with the YFD. They are both being treated at Jacobi Medical Center in The Bronx.
The three-alarm fire is regarded as suspicious.
Firefighter Joyce was the owner of the Social at Dunwoodie Catering. He was weeks away from opening the now defunct Pier View Restaurant property located at 1 Van der Donck Street as The Gas Light Ale House.
Firefighter Joyce is survived by his wife and two children.Hugh Fox, Pat Brady and Robert Masick are in attendance at Jacobi Medical Center.
The loss is gargantuan. It is heartfelt. The pain will not diminish with time; it cannot be soothed. It will not be forgotten.
