Timothy Duckham Chief of Department | Smithtown Fire Department
Timothy Duckham Chief of Department | Smithtown Fire Department
In the early hours of June 26, 2020, a house fire broke out at 16 Stuyvesant Lane in Smithtown, New York. Fifteen-year-old Hailee Hurtado detected smoke and alerted her father, Jonathan Hurtado. He discovered the fire in their garage and began evacuating his family. Hailee went to the lower level to assist her elderly grandmother, who uses a cane for mobility. Together with her father, they helped the grandmother outside as the fire spread.
Smithtown Firefighters were notified of the incident at 2:30 AM. First Assistant Chief Patrick Diecidue and Second Assistant Chief Timothy Duckham responded promptly. Ex-Chief John Hansen was first on scene and confirmed all occupants were safe while upgrading the situation to a working fire.
Captain Andrew Kelly led Engine 4-2-5 to arrive within seven minutes, deploying two handlines to combat the blaze. Additional engines and units assisted in extinguishing hidden pockets of fire. The operation was under control by 3:21 AM with mutual aid from neighboring departments.
Assistant Chief Patrick Diecidue commanded operations until nearly 6 AM without any reported injuries. The Smithtown firefighters praised Hailee for her quick actions that ensured her family's safety. Plans are underway to recognize her bravery with an award.
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