Over 200 people showed up in freezing cold temperatures last night to support two Owego firefighters, one injured, the other killed in an effort to save a home in Newark Valley Monday night.
Residents, and fire departments from across Tioga and Broome counties filled the courthouse square around the firefighter’s fountain at 8 o’clock last night. You could see your breathe, hear the silence, and feel an emptiness as the community mourned the loss of Captain Matt Porcari.
A press conference was held Tuesday afternoon in Newark Valley. News Radio WEBO’s Mike Atkins was there, and has this report that explains what happened.
Six fire companies endured frigid temperatures to battle the blaze, at 871 Chamberlain Road at around 10:45pm Monday.
The Newark Valley Fire Department was assisted by crews from Campville, Berkshire, Maine, Union Center and Owego.
Two Owego firefighters entered the residence to continue battling the fire and the floor collapsed beneath them.
34-year old Matthew Porcari, a Captain, fell into the basement and 28-year old Dan Gavin, a Lieutenant fell partially into the basement. Both men were taken to Wilson hospital where Porcari was pronounced dead.
Gavin was transported to Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, treated and released Tuesday afternoon.
Captain Porcari had been with the Fire Department since 1995 and is survived by a wife and two children.
Lieutenant Gavin has been with the Department since 2000 and his father, Steve Gavin was a fireman who died in the line of duty in 2003.
A Tioga County Fire Investigation Team, Tioga County Sheriffs and the County Coroner are still investigating. They have not yet identified a cause of the fire. The home’s occupants were able to get out and no other injuries were reported.