Senator Patrick M. Gallivan, (R-C, Elma) and Assemblyman David DiPietro (R-C, East Aurora) joined members of the Boston Fire Company Tuesday evening in dedicating a bridge on Rice Road in the Town of Boston in memory of four volunteer firefighters who died in a 1978 incident. The bridge over State Route 219 will be designated as the “Boston Fire Company Fallen Firefighters Memorial Bridge.” 

On July 15, 1978, firefighters David Hadley, Eugene Schmitt, Dana Stevens and Donald Pfarner were overcome by carbon monoxide fumes while rescuing a teenager from a residential well. All four men died after inhaling the colorless and odorless gas. The teenager, Tom Pearson,  survived, along with firefighter Fran Thiel, who was also involved in the rescue.  

“As you can image, this tragedy shook the entire Boston community and firefighters throughout the region,” Senator Gallivan said. “It is never too late to recognize the service these brave volunteers provided to their neighbors and to honor their memory. This bridge designation will help ensure future generations know of their sacrifice.”

“These four heroes ran toward danger, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said Assemblyman DiPietro. “I was proud to carry the bill to designate this bridge in their memory, and I thank Senator Gallivan for carrying it in the Senate. Today’s dedication ensures that the courage of First Assistant Chief Pfarner, Lieutenant Stevens, firefighter Schmitt and firefighter Hadley will continue to inspire future generations of volunteer firefighters across Western New York.” 

Several family members of the fallen firefighters were also on hand for the dedication, including Isabelle Schmitt, widow of Eugene Schmitt; Shirley Hadley, widow of David Hadley; and Cleo Cobb, widow of Donald Pfarner. Patty Stevens, widow of Dana Stevens, is deceased.

Under legislation sponsored by Senator Gallivan and Assemblyman DiPietro, and signed into law by the governor, the New York State Department of Transportation installed signs along Route 219 designating the Rice Road overpass in honor of the firefighters.

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