The families of the victims of the fatal Spring Valley Adult Home fire two years ago that killed a volunteer firefighter and a resident were not consulted when the District Attorney sought to offer the two defendants that had been accused of starting the blaze a plea deal with no jail time. That’s according to Rockland’s Director of Fire and Emergency Services, Chris Kear, who told “The Morning Show” yesterday he expects recruitment and retainment of new volunteers will be more difficult with the perception that the D-A does not have their back…
Rockland Sheriff Lou Falco says he and his department stand in solidarity with the firefighters…
Rabbi Nathaniel Sommer pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree manslaughter, he is expected to be sentenced to five years probation. His son, Aaron, pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless endangerment, and he’ll get three years probation, and they’ll both pay $600 in court fees. They admitted to Judge Kevin Russo to using a blowtorch and coals to prepare the kitchen of the Evergreen Court Adult Home for Passover, causing the blaze that killed Lloyd and resident Oliver Hueston. The judge indicated he would accept the plea deal and the D-A’s recommendation when they are sentenced September 20th.
At least one Rockland fire company is calling for the District Attorney to immediately resign in the wake of the plea deal made Tuesday in Rockland County Court. In a letter addressed to District Attorney Tom Walsh, the Sloatsburg Fire Department said, quote, “It is crystal clear that you do not act in the best interest of The People. You have betrayed members of our department and of the Rockland County Fire Service.” President of the Rockland County Fire Chiefs Association, Kevin Huslinger, in a letter to Walsh said the case warranted full prosecution, and the plea sends a chilling message to all first responders.
Four other New York State fire organizations released a joint statement they crafted before the plea was made official. The Association of Fire Chiefs, the Firefighters Association, the Association of Fire Districts, and the Fire Coordinators’ Association warned Walsh that “the absence of punishment for conduct that leads to the death of first responders tacitly encourages future violations.” Walsh is running unopposed this November for re-election. He has the backing of both the Democratic and Republican parties. There is a petition on Change.org calling for the D-A to resign. Links are below:
Rockland Residents Only: chng.it/Kmwb2HK7
Nationwide: chng.it/y4zKgvsM
Most callers to “The Morning Show” Tuesday and Wednesday were disappointed with the D-A’s decision to settle the case…
One caller felt it isn’t productive to simply point fingers…
We reached out to the Rockland County District Attorney’s office several times and to the Sommers’ attorney as well for comment, but did not hear back.