Grieving Community Turns To Action After Fatal Spring Valley Fire

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland County officials, Spring Valley firefighters and a local Girl Scout Troop are among those taking action to remember fire Lieut. Jared Lloyd and everyone who responded to Tuesday's deadly conflagration at the Evergreen Court Home For Adults.

Rockland County lawmakers are holding a commemorative event at 1:30 p.m. Friday outside Spring Valley Village Hall.

"We will pause as a community to publicly acknowledge the efforts of — and to show support for — all who responded to the fire scene," they said.

Rockland County Legislator Toney Earl will lead the event, joined by local clergy and elected officials.

While it is not open to the public, due to concern for safety in the pandemic, officials said they would try to livestream the event.

Meanwhile, others have come up with ideas to help raise money for the Lloyd family.

Members of the Spring Valley Fire Department started a GoFundMe page to raise money for Lloyd's family. His older son turned 6 on Wednesday, the day searchers recovered Lloyd's body in the rubble of the massive three-story building.

As of Friday morning, $440,021 had been raised of their $500,000 goal from 6,483 people.

"As well as being a dedicated firefighter, Jared was a dedicated father to his two sons. All funds raised will go directly to his family and will be used for his sons' future," fellow member of Columbian Engine Company Andrew Lerer wrote on GoFundMe.

Speculation has swirled about the cause of the massive blaze that destroyed the assisted living facility and killed two people — Lloyd and a resident who has not been identified.

The Evergreen Court Home for Adults was a massive three-story building at 65 Lafayette St. The fire was so intense it melted the siding on apartments across the street, The Journal News reported.

The fire was called in just before 1 a.m. and spread rapidly. Lloyd, 35, was rescuing residents. He had sent out a Mayday call from an upper floor before it collapsed, but he could not be reached.

News12 reported Thursday that systems had been turned off in part of the old building, which housed 113 residents, so that a ritual to prepare the kitchen for Passover could be performed.

The causes of the fire are being investigated by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Rockland County Sheriff's Office and the Spring Valley Police Department. Officials are asking for patience.

The Spring Valley Fire Department announced a news conference at 4 p.m. Friday.

Check back with Patch for updates.

SEE ALSO:

• Spring Valley Fire: Firefighter's Body Recovered
• Grieving Community Mounts Birthday Parade For Firefighter's Son
• Investigation Continues Into Fatal Spring Valley Fire