LODD:Upstate NY Investigator dies 3/10/05

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From Firehouse.com

TICONDEROGA, NY -- A fire investigator died of a heart attack at the site of a fire that heavily damaged a home on Warner Hill Road here. 

Lois Sawyer safely got out of her two-story wood-frame house after flames erupted just before 3 p.m. Wednesday. 

James Mero Jr., 54, of Willsboro was at the fire site as an Essex County deputy fire coordinator when he was stricken with a heart attack, County Emergency Services Director Raymond Thatcher said. 

"He died on the scene, in his vehicle, during the fire investigation," Thatcher said. "He'd gone back to get some equipment." 

Mero was taken to Moses-Ludington Hospital by Ticonderoga Emergency Squad. 

"He was administered CPR on the scene, and transported to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead," Thatcher said. 

Mero was a longtime member of the Willsboro Fire Department, and a top-notch investigator, Thatcher said. 

"He was a fire coordinator for about 20 years, and he was a good friend. Jim will be missed." 

Mero was always ready to help when needed, he said, and was someone who could be counted on. 

Sawyer is staying with relatives, and is being assisted by the local chapter of the American Red Cross. 

The home was badly damaged, Thatcher said, and Sawyer did not have insurance. 

"The cause is under investigation. It appears it was accidental." 

The Essex County Fire Investigation Unit, of which Mero was a member, was at the fire conducting an investigation. Thatcher said the fire started in the basement, and a space heater is being looked at as the cause. 

Ticonderoga got assistance in fighting the fire from Crown Point, Chilson, Putnam and Hague departments, with Ticonderoga Town Police and Ticonderoga Emergency Squad also assisting at the location. Westport firefighters brought the Air One truck to the scene to refill air packs. 

Thatcher praised the efforts of firefighters at bringing the fire under control. 

"Everyone worked together and did an excellent job," he said. "A terrible tragedy occurred during this fire." 

Mero will be remembered as a dedicated firefighter, he said.

[Guest]

Very sad, a high # of LODD lately. RIP, FI James Mero, Jr.

Mero, Jr., James E 

Age: 51 

Cause of Death: Stress/Exertion 

Rank: Deputy Fire Coordinator/Fire Investigator 

Nature of Death: Heart Attack 

Status: Career 

Emergency Duty: Yes 

Incident Date: 03/09/2005 

Duty Type: Fireground Operations 

Incident Time: 15:00 

Activity Type: Other 

Death Date: 03/09/2005 

Fixed Prop. Use: Residential 

Fire Dept. Info: Essex County Office of Emergency Services

PO Box 217

7551 Court Street

Elizabethtown , New York  12932

Chief: Director/Fire Coordinator Raymond C. Thatcher

   

Initial Summary:    Investigator Mero was working at the scene of a residential structure fire. When he returned to his vehicle to gather additional equipment he collapsed from an apparent heart attack. 

Care was initiated at the scene and Mero was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.   

Memorial Fund Info: Donations in his memory may be made to the Willsboro Fire Department-Rescue Squad, 1 Point Road, Willsboro, NY  12996-3911 

Source: U.S.Fire Administration

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Thoughts and Prayers to the friends and family of Investigator Mero as well as to Essex County Fire Services. RIP. Investigator Mero.