New Rockland County K9 Named After Fallen Spring Valley Firefighter

Spring Valley Firefighter Dies at Dangerous Call in 2021

On March 23rd, 2021, Spring Valley firefighters responded to a call at Evergreen Court Home for Adults. 

An intense fire blazed through the building around 1:30 in the morning.

Once fire officials arrived at the scene they entered the building, with 200 beds, to clear the building. All of the residents were accounted for, but the fire destroyed the building.

READ MORE: 'Hero' Firefighter, Resident Killed in Massive Nursing Home Fire

The building began to collapse while firefighters were still inside. Sadly, a firefighter lost his life while clearing the building.

Jared Lloyd a firefighter for the Spring Valley Fire Department died in the fire. Mahwah Fire Company 2 wrote in a statement at the time:

"Jared made the ultimate sacrifice while helping residents during yesterday’s massive fire at the Evergreen Home for Adults. Co. 2 has had the privilege of growing a great camaraderie and close relationship with the members of Jared’s firehouse over the years."

5 years later, Rockland County is honoring Jared's memory with the addition of a new law enforcement team member.

Rockland County Sheriff's Office Names K9 After Fallen Firefighter

Assemblyman Mike Lawler announced in a statement that the Rockland County Sheriff's Office is adding a new member to their team.

The newest member is an Accelerant Detection K9, who will join the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. The K9 will be used to "assist fire investigators throughout Rockland County and the surrounding region in determining the origin and cause of suspicious fires."

The K9 is named Jared after fallen Spring Valley firefighter Jared Lloyd. Lawler writes:

This is a well-deserved tribute to a Rockland County hero.

Officials Investigate Evergreen Court Fire in Spring Valley

Shortly after the fire ripped through Evergreen Court, a criminal investigation was launched into how it started.

During a press conference Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco said "We follow the facts. We follow the evidence. We are not going to rush this investigation to make people happy to get to the conclusion."

According to ABC7 NY, Rabbi Daniel Sommer and his sone Aaron "started the fire while using a blow torch during a religious ritual to cleanse the facility's ovens ahead of Passover" which lead to the fire that killed Lloyd and a 79 year old resident.