Several law enforcement officers and a civilian are being recognized for their life-saving efforts during a house fire in the Village of Bath that happened several weeks ago.
The incident unfolded the night of January 31, when Bath Police Department Sergeant Beau Roberson and Officer Waite, along with members of the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office and the New York State Police, were dispatched to a reported residential structure fire on Warden Street.
When they arrived, officers found a two-story home with flames showing from multiple windows and learned a person might still be trapped inside.
With time critical, Roberson and Waite entered the burning house to search. Assisted by a neighbor, Brayden Hess, they moved through the smoke-filled residence and forced open an interior door, where they located an unconscious person.
Deputy Ethan Hurd then entered the home to help and dragged the victim to the doorway. Troopers Daniel Empfield, Garrett Gaczewski, Anthony Kuhn, and Jack Curabba carried the person from the house to a waiting ambulance, where medical aid was immediately provided.
The victim, 35-year-old Derek Fisher, was taken to a local hospital but later died despite extensive lifesaving efforts. Fisher’s dog also perished in the blaze.
Officials say the coordinated response, quick action, and willingness of both officers and the civilian to put themselves in danger exemplified teamwork and bravery. Agencies extended condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
