Farrell
Rochester — Heavy hearts continue to ache as many CSEA members from Western Region are coming to grips with saying goodbye to union brother Jeffrey Farrell, a Motor Equipment Operator for Monroe County’s Pure Waters Division who tragically passed away after a work-related accident on Friday morning, January 18. Farrell was 30 years old.
Farrell was killed after a tractor-trailer traveling east on state Route 104 barrelled down an embankment on Hudson Avenue and hit a light pole and two other vehicles. Farrell was below ground inside a sewer grate, but was killed instantly as he tried to escape, according to Rochester Fire Battalion Chief James Hartman.
Authorities are speculating the tractor-trailer driver may have had a medical emergency, causing the vehicle to leave the expressway, according to New York State Police reports. The driver of the truck, Tracy Premo, 58, of Palmyra, was also killed in the crash.
In a statement released Saturday morning, CSEA Western Region President Kathy Button confirmed that Farrell was a CSEA member who started his employment with Monroe County in September 2018.
“We share our grief and sense of loss with the entire community. Please keep the family, the co-workers, our dedicated CSEA members and all those who were impacted by this tragic event in our thoughts and prayers,” said Button. She added, “We contacted our CSEA Occupational, Safety and Health officials and NYS PESH who will be thoroughly investigating the incident.”
Additionally, the State Police Vehicle Enforcement Unit will inspect the 2015 International truck Premo was driving, troopers said.
In Jeffrey’s honor, Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo ordered flags at all County facilities to fly at half-staff through Thursday, January 24.
President Button encourages our union family to attend services for Jeffrey Farrell. They are scheduled for Wednesday, January 23 from 4:00 – 7:00 pm at the Leo M. Bean and Sons Funeral Home at 2771 Chili Avenue. A funeral mass is scheduled for Thursday, January 24 at 10:00 am at St. Helen’s Church, located at 310 Hinchey Road.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Jeffrey’s name to the Ronald McDonald House.
-Ove Overmyer
