Several local law enforcement officers — and one civilian — are being recognized for their actions during a deadly house fire in the Village of Bath.
The Bath Village Police Department issued a Letter of Commendation following a January 31, 2026 residential structure fire on Warden Street.
According to the department, Bath Police Sgt. Beau Roberson and Officer Waite responded to the reported fire along with Steuben County Sheriff’s Deputy Ethan Hurd and New York State Police Troopers Daniel Empfield, Garrett Gaczewski, Anthony Kuhn and Jack Curabba.
When Sgt. Roberson and Officer Waite arrived, they saw flames coming from multiple windows of the two-story home. They also learned that someone may have been trapped inside.
“Recognizing that time was critical,” the department said, the two officers entered the burning structure “without hesitation and with complete disregard for their own personal safety” to search for the individual.
Working alongside a civilian neighbor, Brayden Hess, they searched the residence and forced open an interior door. Inside, they found the victim unconscious.
Deputy Hurd then arrived and entered the home to assist. He dragged the victim to the doorway, where Troopers Empfield, Gaczewski, Kuhn and Curabba carried the individual to a waiting ambulance.
Emergency crews transported the victim to a local hospital. Despite extensive lifesaving efforts, the victim later died from his injuries.
The department praised the “quick response, situational awareness, and effective teamwork” shown by all officers involved, calling their actions an example of “the highest standards of professionalism, bravery, and commitment to public service.”
Officials also highlighted the courage of Brayden Hess, saying his willingness to act “played a vital role in the effort to save a human life.”
The department extended condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
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