GREENWOOD LAKE — With wildfires erupting across the state as a result of drought conditions, CSEA members have responded in professional and volunteer capacities to contain the fires and render other aid.
Vasquez
Tragically, wildfires impacting an area near the Orange County community of Greenwood Lake resulted in the death of a CSEA-represented worker who was part of a wildland fire crew in Sterling Forest State Park. Dariel Vasquez, 18, a parks and recreation aide 7 working out of the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation’s Palisades Region, died on November 9 after being struck by a falling tree.
“This is a tragic loss, and our thoughts are with Dariel’s loved ones and the colleagues who were working alongside him,” said Southern Region President Anthony Adamo. “The impact these fires have had is heartbreaking on so many levels. We are grateful for the tremendous response from emergency personnel across the state, including many members of our union.”
According to news reports, the wildfires in Greenwood Lake are the worst our state has experienced since 2008. Several months of little to no rain, combined with windy conditions and dried leaves fallen from trees, have resulted in fires of varying size across the state.
Adamo lauded the contributions from state and county emergency management workers, dispatchers, and state parks workers in responding to the Greenwood Lake fires. He also noted the strong presence and mutual aid from local fire departments and EMS agencies. Volunteers, including many CSEA members, have traveled from neighboring counties and across the state to help.
— Jessica Ladlee
