WELLSVILLE, N.Y.-- One day after Wellsville firefighter Ronald W. Thomas died trying to save a man and his teenage son, the state is working on determining that Thomas died in the line of duty.
Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department Chief David Pinney is being assisted by state officials this morning in filing the proper paperwork.
On Sunday around 2:30 p.m., Kevin Allen, 46, who was visiting family and fishing in the Derby, fell over the small falls and into a vortex, a spinning whirlpool-effect in the Genesee River. Emergency officials said his 16-year-old son, Dan Allen, went in to save him. Two others then went in and Thomas quickly went in to save them.
Thomas died saving them.
Pinney said Thomas' actions shed light on the dangers of being a volunteer rescue worker or firefighter. Many of his colleagues in the Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department were in the water trying to save him.
"It's what you would have expected from Ron or anyone else in the emergency services," said Pinney. "That's why we're here and that is what we do. I'm sure that 99.9 percent of the members would have done the same thing. You don't calculate your own risk when you are out trying to help or save someone else."
Thomas was a 35-year member of the Dyke Street Engine Company and a past captain and an officer.
"He was a good interior firefighter, he was always good and always suited up," said Bob Madden, a firefighter with the Dyke Street Engine Company.
Thomas wore interior tag 067 and his father-in-law, Dick Fleischman, was a past chief in the company.
"Ron not only was one of the best when it came to fighting a fire, he was always helping the department and company," Madden said.
Allegany County Fire Coordinator Paul Gallmann said this might be the first firefighter to die in the line of duty in about 40 years. There was an assistant chief of the Short Tract Department killed in the 60s.
An autopsy is being performed to determine the exact cause of death.
Funeral arrangements and account for family set
Scott Thomas, the oldest son of Ron Thomas, is finishing up a final exam at college in Florida. As a result, the calling hours and funeral for his father's funeral will not take place until Sunday and Monday.
Calling hours will be from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Sunday at the J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, 34 W. State St., Wellsville.
The funeral will take place Monday. The time and details have not been announced.
An account has been set up at First Citizens National Bank in Ronald Thomas' name. The family does have unexpected medical bills. Roger Ramsey of Computer Solutions on Main Street in Wellsville has made a $50 donation.
"I sponsored two $25 fish in the Wellsville Trout Derby. One of them was caught," explained Ramsey, who only had to pay out $25 because only one fish was caught. "However, I am donating the entire $50 and I hope others will match this."
Republished with permission of the Wellsville Daily Reporter.
