Hudson Valley Man Named Local ‘Firefighter of The Year’

A local police officer and volunteer firefighter, who saved a woman and her dog’s life from a fire, was named a “Firefighter of The Year.”

Sullivan County Deputy Sheriff Kevin Lupardo was given the Firefighter of the Year Award at the annual Youngsville Fire Department Dinner which was held at the Rockland House in Roscoe.

On Jan. 4, Lupardo, who is a volunteer firefighter in Youngsville, saved a woman and her dog from a fire at a home in Monguap Valley.

Lupardo, who was in the area, arrived on the scene before the Smallwood Monguap Fire Company. He entered the smoke filled home and led a woman and her dog to safety.

Lupardo then retrieved a fire extinguisher from his patrol car, entered the residence a second time and put out the fire.

Lupardo and the resident, Maria Nunez, both suffered minor smoke inhalation. They were examined by Mobile Medic EMS at the scene and refused medical aid.

Following his heroic act, Sullivan County Sheriff Mike Schiff wasn’t surprised by Lupardo’s heroic actions.

“It’s in his blood,” Schiff said.

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