It’s already been a tough week for the fire service in Tioga County, after a structure fire in Newark Valley turned fatal Monday night for one Owego firefighter, and one more was injured.
Owego Fire Chief Ed Franz told News Radio WEBO yesterday that fellow firefighters, and the family, are helping each other cope with Captain Matt Porcari’s death Monday night.
While the family receives help from the fire department, the department has received an outpouring of support from fire crews in the surrounding area. And the West Webster Fire Department, where two firefighters were killed just a month ago, has also reached out to support Owego. At the time of that tragedy, Porcari was one of the representatives from Owego who traveled to Webster for their calling hours. Franz said a large number of people will pour into Owego for the process of mourning that will take place over the next few days.
At the request of the Porcari family, the Owego Fire Department has set up a command post at the fire station for questions and comments about the incident. That command post number is: 687-1201.
