On Thursday, two off-duty New York firefighters tragically lost their lives after one fell into a manure tanker on a cattle farm, and the other attempted a rescue. Tyler Memory, 29, from Tully, and Nathan Doody, 33, from DeRuyter, were working as drivers for manure trucks at Champion Farms when they were overcome by hazardous fumes from the tanker.
Authorities reported that one of the firefighters was trying to retrieve a piece of equipment that had fallen into the tanker when he passed out and collapsed inside. It’s unclear who fell in first, but the other firefighter attempted a rescue and also lost consciousness, falling into the tanker.
Other farm employees found both men unconscious and immediately called 911 around 11 am. Responders from the Clinton Fire Department, Mercy Flight, and COVAC Ambulance arrived at the scene to provide aid. Memory and Doody were airlifted to Wynn Hospital in Utica, where they later died.
Memory was a third-generation firefighter and a 15-year veteran of the Tully Joint Fire Department, having joined the department at just 14 years old. Doody was a volunteer firefighter at the Cuyler Fire Department in Cortland County, serving for ten years. Their deaths have left their fire departments and families grieving deeply.
Manure tankers can be extremely dangerous due to the toxic gases they emit, particularly hydrogen sulfide, which can cause nausea, dizziness, headaches, and unconsciousness at high levels. In severe cases, exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can be fatal within just a few breaths.
Champion Farms, where the incident occurred, is a tenth-generation beef and dairy farm founded in the early 1800s in Clinton, approximately 250 miles northwest of Manhattan. This tragic event underscores the dangers faced by those working in agricultural settings and the bravery of firefighters who put themselves at risk to help others.
The fire departments and the families of Memory and Doody are mourning the loss of these dedicated and courageous men. Their commitment to serving their communities, even in their off-duty roles, highlights their heroism and dedication to their calling.
The community has rallied around the families and fire departments affected by this tragedy, offering support and condolences. The deaths of Memory and Doody serve as a somber reminder of the risks firefighters face and the selflessness required in their line of work.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the focus remains on supporting the grieving families and fire departments while raising awareness about the dangers of working with hazardous materials like manure. The legacy of Tyler Memory and Nathan Doody will be remembered for their bravery and dedication to serving their communities.