| On March 13, 2026 the Brewster Fire Department was informed of the passing of 92 year old Charles Erickson. Charlie was a 69 year life member. In every organization, there seems to be a lot of Chiefs but few Indians. Charles was an Indian who fought in many memorable fires.
On October 24, 1962 a fire involved an apartment at 48 Main Street. (Photo #2) Charlie was on a ladder by the window. The daughter was evacuated via the ladder with Charlie's help. Charlie tried to convince the wife to exit via the ladder as well but she refused. She insisted on going back to get her husband. Unfortunately, both wife and husband died at the foot of their marital bed
On December 4,1965 a commercial four engine prop-driven Constellation plane bumped a another passenger plane over Carmel NY. (photo #3) The other plane was a jet powered Boeing 707. The Constellation came to rest on Hunt Mountain in North Salem. Charlie was one of the first responders of the Brewster Fire Department (BFD). He was with the pilot as they evacuated the plane. Charlie and the pilot were the last to evacuate the Constellation. The pilot ran back in because he thought he heard a voice. As the pilot ran into the cockpit, the plane exploded. Fifty people lived and four died including the pilot That was one call that Charlie said he would never forget.
On February 6, 1969 a fire broke out at the Trinity-Pawling School. The brand new Snorkel (photo #9) which technically was not in service yet responded to Pawling. It was set up and fighting the fire when a call came in to relocate the Snorkel and attempt a rescue. In order to move the Snorkel, Charlie had to break a charged hose connection from a Pawling pumper which could not be contacted by radio. Charlie got cold and very wet breaking that line.The frozen mist attacked Charlie and other BFD members in the bucket. One firefighter was rescued by the BFD via the Snorkel.
Another time he was upstairs fighting a house fire, when the ceiling fell down and impaled his helmet. He left the helmet and evacuated down the stairs.
On April 18,1975 the Brewster Standard fire on Main Street broke out.(Photo #4) Charlie was on a ladder fighting the fire when he was ordered to get off the ladder. No sooner than he dismounted the ladder than the side of the building fell down just missing Charlie.
It seemed as if whenever help was needed, Charlie was around when an Indian was needed.
Charlie, you are missed! |
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