10/08/2025
Yesterday I had the privilege of attending the NYS Fallen Firefighter Memorial where one of our members Thomas F. Poe, who died in the line of duty was inducted. His Name will forever be engraved with the over 2,000 other firefighters who have sacrificed their lives serving the people of NYS. I would like to thank Chief Joseph Fahd for accompanying me at the event. I would also would like to thank Mayor Keeler for providing a Proclamation from the city to provide the family and the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control, for putting on such a great Ceremony. Michael Devoe though your Grandfather passed before your birth, he was a Hero to the residents of the City of Cohoes and will now and forever be remembered for his sacrifices as a firefighter.
On November 6th, 1957, Thomas F. Poe started a 24-hour shift at 8 a.m. Midafternoon a fire broke out at the city’s dump and Poe, a Hoseman responded from Central Headquarters. Upon returning from the fire, Firefighter Poe notified Fire Chief Harold W. Grogan that he was feeling ill. Chief Grogan contacted Dr. A. J. Vinci, who requested that Firefighter Poe be evaluated at the Cohoes Memorial Hospital and recommended transportation by ambulance. Firefighter Poe collapsed prior to the ambulances arriving. Dr. Vinci arrived at the Central Headquarters who pronounced Firefighter Poe dead at the scene and Coroner John J. Marra was notified. Rev. Celas A. Robitaille, pastor of St. Joseph's Church administered last rites at the Central Headquarters. Dr. A.M. Breault, coroner’s physician, later confirmed Firefighter Poe’s death was due to coronary thrombosis.
