New York Firefighter Collapses, Dies At Accident Scene

[SeaBreeze]

New York Firefighter Collapses, Dies At Accident Scene

Courtesy of WIVB-TV

Cambria, New York-- A small community is mourning the tragic loss of beloved firefighter. The volunteer died while helping victims at an accident scene in Niagara County. News 4's Melissa Holmes has more from the Town of Cambria.

Members of the Cambria Volunteer Fire Company have heavy hearts Monday morning, having lost one of their own in the line of duty.

Firefighters were called to the intersection of Saunders Settlement Road and Route 270 on the Lockport-Cambria border Sunday afternoon.

Two pickup trucks and an SUV collided there, injuring six people. One of the victims, 20 year old Scott Leggett of Wilson, was taken to ECMC by Mercy Flight.

None of the injuries are said to be life-threatening.

While working on this accident, Cambria volunteer firefighter Gerald Machajewski collapsed at the scene. He was rushed to Lockport Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

The cause of his death was not immediately known overnight.

Machajewski was active in the Cambria community, also serving on the town's planning board.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.


http://cms.firehouse.com/content/article/article.jsp?sectionId=39&id=49408

[SeaBreeze]

Machajewski, Gerald A.

Age: 62
Cause of Death: Stress/Overexertion
Rank: Firefighter
Nature of Death: Heart Attack
Classification: Volunteer
Emergency Duty: Yes

Incident Date: 05/21/2006
Duty Type: On-Scene Non-Fire
Incident Time: 14:29
Activity Type: Other
Death Date: 05/21/2006
Fixed Prop. Use: Store/Office

Fire Dept. Info:
Cambria Volunteer Fire Company
4631 Cambria-Wilson Road
Lockport , New York 14094
Chief: Vincent Salerno

Initial Summary:
Firefighter Machajewski collapsed will working at the scene of a multi-vehicle accident. He was rendered medical assistance while being rushed to Lockport Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from acute coronary artery thrombosis.

Memorial Fund Info:
Memorials in the name of Firefighter Gerald A. Machajewski can be made C/o Cambria Volunteer Fire Company, 4631 Cambria-Wilson Road, Lockport, NY 14094


http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/applications/ffmem/ffmem_detail.jsp?p_id=3286&p_free_text=&noticeYearCutoff=&p_fd_state_code=&p_first_name=&p_fd_city=&p_last_name=&p_mn_status=1&p_death_year=2006