Fire Chiefs Assoc. President David Mottor, Dep. Chief Chris Galipeau, Fire Marshall Peter Ostroskey, Lt. and Selectman Jacob Chapman are seen at a press conference at Montgomery Town Hall discussing the death of Montgomery Fire Chief Stephen P. Frye while fighting a house fire Tuesday evening. (Photo by Lynn Boscher)
MONTGOMERY – The town of Montgomery is reeling from the loss of Fire Chief Stephen Frye, 59, a 24-year veteran of the department who died while fighting a fire on Tuesday night. Frye leaves his wife Laurie Frye and two adult children. One, his son Matthew Frye is also a member of the Fire Department and was at his side fighting the fire Tuesday night.
During a press conference at Montgomery Town Hall on Wednesday, State Fire Marshall Peter Ostroskey said at 11:08 p.m. on Tuesday, the occupants of 1524 Southampton Road, an adult male and his mother, were alerted to smoke by operating smoke alarms. They called 911 to initially report a chimney fire, which soon became a house fire. Both residents evacuated safely and were unharmed. When firemen arrived, the structure was totally consumed, and is a total loss. The residents were assisted by neighbors at the scene, and have been referred to social service agencies.
Ostroskey said the investigation into the fire commenced early on Wednesday, and concluded that the origin was an accidental chimney fire from a wood stove that extended to the structure.
Montgomery Chief Stephen P. Frye (Photo submitted)
Ostroskey said that during the intital response, Chief Frye, who was working at the rear of the structure, collapsed. He was immediately attended to by fellow responders and the Hilltown Community Ambulance Service who was already on the scene. Frye was transported to Baystate Noble Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Ostroskey said the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy, but results may not be made public.
Ostroskey said that Frye was a beloved and respected member of the Fire Department, which he joined in 1993 and served 17 years as Chief. “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Frye family,” he said, adding that the town of Montgomery is a tight-knit community with a volunteer fire department. He said that stress management teams are working with the first responders to offer support.
“The Fire Department is devastated and our heart goes to the family. There are some tough times ahead,” Ostroskey said.
Also present at the press conference were Montgomery Fire Department Lt. Jacob Chapman, a member of the town’s Board of Selectmen; Deputy Fire Chief Chris Galipeau, and Easthampton Fire Chief David Mottor, President of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts.
“Condolences to the Frye family and the rest of the Fire Department after the loss of the chief after 17 years of service,” said Chapman, who was visibly moved. He said Frye will definitely be missed by the community and the Fire Department.
“He was a great person, always willing to help anyone else before himself,” said Deputy Chief Galipeau.
Ten neighboring communities responded to the fire, including Huntington, Southampton, Westfield, Westhampton, Russell, Barnes Air Force Base, Easthampton and Holyoke Fire Departments, Hilltown Community Ambulance, Massachusetts State Police and the Huntington Police Department, and have continued to offer their support to the Montgomery Fire Department.
Angelique Toroni, the Huntington Fire Department’s administrative assistant said on Wednesday that her husband, Nick Toroni, who is chaplain to the department, spent the night offering support to Montgomery. “My heart is broken in two,” Angelique Toroni said.
