Obituary: Alec Tannenbaum, 29, West Point Firefighter

NEW WINDSOR, NY — The death Tuesday of a volunteer firefighter is being investigated as possibly having occurred in the line of duty. Alec Tannenbaum, 29, of New Windsor, who worked as a federal firefighter for the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, had completed his shift for the West Point Fire Department Monday morning.

During the afternoon, he responded to calls with the Vails Gate Fire Department where he was a volunteer. He helped clear trees downed as a result of Tropical Storm Isaias.

Tannenbaum was found unresponsive at home Monday evening and was taken by New Windsor EMS to Montefiore St. Luke's Cornwall where he died.

A statement from the Vails Gate Fire Department said his "passing is being investigated as a possible Line of Duty Death."

Tannenbaum served two tours in Afghanistan and was awarded the Purple Heart for combat injuries.

He joined the Vails Gate Fire Department as a volunteer in February 2016 and was hired in 2018 as a professional firefighter with the West Point Fire Department.

According to his obituary, he was born in Goshen and was a graduate of the Newburgh Free Academy.

Tannenaum is survived by his mother Heidi, brothers Greg and Blake, his girlfriend Meagan, as well as aunts, an uncle, a cousin and cherished friends.

A graveside ceremony will be held at noon Sunday at Cedar Hill Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at Vails Gate Fire Department in New Windsor.