Slaterville Springs, 24 February 04 -- The Tompkins County Sheriff's Department is investigating the death last night of a volunteer firefighter from the Harford Fire Department. Harford was one of several fire companies providing mutual aid at the scene of a Slaterville Springs fire on Buffalo Road.
A fire tanker driven by an unidentified 55-year-old member of the Harford Fire Department pinned volunteer firefighter Bret Neff, age 37, of Dryden, against another vehicle. The driver told investigators he inadvertently released the vehicle's brake as he got out.
Neff was airlifted from the scene and was pronounced dead at Robert Packer hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania. The Harford Fire Company's eighteen volunteer firefighters serve roughly 1,000 area residents.
Firehouse.Com NewsBret was with the Harford Fire Department for 18 months serving as the deputy chief. He also served as an EKG Technician at the Caygua Medical Center in Ithaca, NY. Prior to joining the Harford Fire Department, he was with the Spencer, NY Fire Department, said Eric Tennant, Harford Fire Chief.
Brett is survived by his 10 yr-old son, Dusty.
Visitation will be held Thursday from 3-7 p.m. at the Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, NY. Visitation from 3-6 p.m. is for friends and family and from 6-7 p.m. all other departments are welcome to join in.
The funeral is going to be a private ceremony and that will be held on Friday. There will be a memorial service held in the Spring.
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