NJFFSA16
09-06-2007, 06:00 AM
LYNDONVILLE, Vt. (AP) - Standing where a 1998 arson fire leveled
a brick warehouse, killing a firefighter, Professional Fire
Fighters of Vermont on Wednesday offered a new reward - up to
$10,000 - for information leading to the arrest of the person
responsible.
Eugene McDonough, 55, of St. Johnsbury was killed Sept. 5, 1998
when a brick wall of the PMI Lumber warehouse collapsed, crushing
him.
Firefighters and family said they hoped the reward would prompt
someone to speak, "to bring closure to a nightmare that's been
haunting us for nine years," said Brad Reed, a St. Johnsbury
firefighter and relative of McDonough.
"It's my sincere hope that someone out there will come
forward," said McDonough's daughter, Betsy McDonough, 33, of
Monkton.
Evidence and leads indicate that the fire, which caused $300,000
in damages, was arson, said Vermont State Police Sgt. Fred Cornell.
The case remains open. Anyone with information is urged to
contact their local police, Northeast Kingdom Crime Stoppers or the
arson tip line. Reports can be made confidentially.
McDonough is the only St. Johnsbury firefighter ever to die in a
fire.
"It was the most tragic thing in the department's history,"
said St. Johnsbury Fire Chief Troy Ruggles.
The 30-plus-year veteran had been battling the fire from one end
of the engulfed warehouse when he approached the building to open a
door, Ruggles said. Without warning, the top of the wall fell,
crushing him.
"We got in and rescued him, because he was covered and buried
in bricks," the fire chief said. "There was a valiant effort to
revive him, but he was killed instantly."
His death left the department with pain, anger and anxiety,
Ruggles said.
Firefighters have raised money through an annual golf tournament
for a scholarship in McDonough's name. A memorial dedicated to him
stands in front of the fire station. But that's not enough for
those who knew him.
"We want to put closure on this," Ruggles said. "It's still
open. You know the pain will never go away. They could convict him
tomorrow, that's not going make us feel better for our loss, but we
can put closure on the case ... especially for his daughter and his
family."
If an arrest is made, Caledonia County State's Attorney Robert
Butterfield would determine the charges. Arson with death resulting
is punishable by up to life in prison.
a brick warehouse, killing a firefighter, Professional Fire
Fighters of Vermont on Wednesday offered a new reward - up to
$10,000 - for information leading to the arrest of the person
responsible.
Eugene McDonough, 55, of St. Johnsbury was killed Sept. 5, 1998
when a brick wall of the PMI Lumber warehouse collapsed, crushing
him.
Firefighters and family said they hoped the reward would prompt
someone to speak, "to bring closure to a nightmare that's been
haunting us for nine years," said Brad Reed, a St. Johnsbury
firefighter and relative of McDonough.
"It's my sincere hope that someone out there will come
forward," said McDonough's daughter, Betsy McDonough, 33, of
Monkton.
Evidence and leads indicate that the fire, which caused $300,000
in damages, was arson, said Vermont State Police Sgt. Fred Cornell.
The case remains open. Anyone with information is urged to
contact their local police, Northeast Kingdom Crime Stoppers or the
arson tip line. Reports can be made confidentially.
McDonough is the only St. Johnsbury firefighter ever to die in a
fire.
"It was the most tragic thing in the department's history,"
said St. Johnsbury Fire Chief Troy Ruggles.
The 30-plus-year veteran had been battling the fire from one end
of the engulfed warehouse when he approached the building to open a
door, Ruggles said. Without warning, the top of the wall fell,
crushing him.
"We got in and rescued him, because he was covered and buried
in bricks," the fire chief said. "There was a valiant effort to
revive him, but he was killed instantly."
His death left the department with pain, anger and anxiety,
Ruggles said.
Firefighters have raised money through an annual golf tournament
for a scholarship in McDonough's name. A memorial dedicated to him
stands in front of the fire station. But that's not enough for
those who knew him.
"We want to put closure on this," Ruggles said. "It's still
open. You know the pain will never go away. They could convict him
tomorrow, that's not going make us feel better for our loss, but we
can put closure on the case ... especially for his daughter and his
family."
If an arrest is made, Caledonia County State's Attorney Robert
Butterfield would determine the charges. Arson with death resulting
is punishable by up to life in prison.