New York State Ex-Fire Chief's House Burns Down; Fire Dept. and Community Offers Support

The community and the Mechanicville Fire Department continue to reach out to the department's recent past chief John Dunn, whose family was displaced when their home was destroyed by a fire in June.

To help raise money for the Dunn Family Fire Relief Fund, which was formed last month, the city fire department has planned a ziti dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday in the American Legion Post on South Main Street.

John and Kim Dunn have four sons. John Dunn has volunteered for the fire department for many, many years.

On June 19, an electrical short in their garage sparked a fire that spread through their South Main Street home.

"There was no saving either structure. They lost everything," said Mechanicville Fire Department Chief Bob Palmieri, who took the job from Dunn on Jan. 1.

No one was injured in the blaze at 236 S. Main St., which began at about 5 a.m., police said.

"It just broke our hearts, the fire department's hearts, that that happened to John," Palmieri said. "It bothers us when it happens to anybody, but to have it happen to John, who has worked side-by-side for us for many years, it just hurt."

The Dunn family is staying in temporary lodging on Bennington Avenue in the city, Palmieri said. The community raised more than $600 for the family's immediate needs by placing canisters out in local businesses, he said.

Separate from that effort is a fund the fire department established for the Dunn family at Trustco Bank, which will be bolstered with proceeds from this weekend's ziti dinner.

Costs for the meal are $7 for adults and $4 for children under 8. Take-outs will be available.

If you'd like to make a direct contribution, contact the Dunn Family Fire Relief Fund, care of Trustco Bank, 9 Price Chopper Plaza, Mechanicville, NY 12118.