City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department NY Local 596

08/29/2026

Off-duty Engine 2 firefighter Erik Stroka and his girlfriend, Skylar, were showing their cows at the Dutchess County Fair on Friday afternoon when someone nearby went unresponsive. Both immediately rushed over to assist Fair EMS and began CPR in the barn. Along with DC Fair personnel and other bystanders, they provided life-saving measures. Thanks to everyone’s quick action, the patient was transported to the ER and later moved to Vassar Hospital with a successful outcome.

08/25/2026

The members of Local 596 are devastated by the tragic loss of Mindy Brugger, a woman who was known and cared for by so many of our members.

Mindy was a bright light and a friend to so many of us. Her loss is deeply felt throughout our department and the larger first responder community.

We also cannot ignore the horrific circumstances surrounding her death.

The man responsible for taking Mindy's life was a retired member of our department. While we acknowledge his years of service, there is absolutely no place in our profession, our union, or our community for an act as horrific and deplorable as this. His actions do not represent the values of the members of Local 596, nor do they diminish the respect and gratitude we have for those who have served honorably.

What happened to Mindy was a deplorable act of violence that took the life of an innocent woman. Whatever struggles a person may face, there is never an excuse for murdering another human being. No amount of years in the fire service, no accomplishments, and no personal history can diminish that truth.

Mindy deserved better.

She deserved the opportunity to continue her life, to continue helping others, and to continue being the person so many of us knew and respected. She deserved to grow older surrounded by the people who loved her.

Today, our thoughts are with Mindy's family, her friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. We also stand with our first responder community who are struggling to process this loss.

Rest in peace, Mindy.

08/17/2026

08/14/2026

🚨 “DOOR KICK CHALLENGE” IS NOT A PRANK! IT’S DANGEROUS CRIMINAL CONDUCT🚨

The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, Dutchess County District Attorney’s Office, New York State Police and Town of Poughkeepsie Police Department are investigating multiple incidents in the Towns of Beekman, Poughkeepsie and LaGrange involving the social media trend commonly known as the “door kick challenge.”

Violently kicking or striking the door of an occupied home, particularly while masked or during overnight hours is not harmless teenage behavior, a joke, or a prank.

To the family inside, it may appear that someone is attempting to break into their home. A frightened resident may believe a home invasion is underway and might take immediate defensive action.

What someone intends to record as a few seconds of social-media content could end with someone being seriously injured or killed.

Law enforcement agencies are working together to identify everyone involved, including:
• Those who kick or strike the doors
• Drivers who transport participants
• Individuals recording the incidents
• Lookouts
• Anyone who assists, encourages or participates in the conduct

Being part of an online “challenge” does not excuse criminal behavior. Those responsible should expect to be identified and held accountable.

🏠 IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU:

➡️ Call 911 immediately.
➡️ Remain inside and move to a secure location.
➡️ Do not pursue or confront the individuals.
➡️ Preserve doorbell-camera, surveillance and cellphone footage.
➡️ Note descriptions of individuals, vehicles, license plates and direction of travel.
➡️ Provide the original footage to law enforcement before editing or posting it publicly.

Parents and guardians: Please talk to your children and teenagers about this trend. Participation can result in arrest, prosecution, financial liability for property damage, serious injury or death.

No social media post is worth a criminal prosecution or a preventable tragedy.

Anyone with information, video footage or knowledge of those involved is asked to contact the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office at 845-486-3800.

08/12/2026

Congrats Chief….

08/07/2026

Local 596 is holding our annual Back to School Raffle. With each $100 donation you receive one chance at one of three top prizes. Only 125 chances will be eligible. If you would like to participate please contact Eddie at 914-475-9641

08/02/2026

We would like to congratulate newly promoted Lt Nick Bucher. LT.Bucher comes from Group 4 Ladder 1. His new assignment is Group 1 Relief Lt. Good luck.

07/28/2026

This past Friday marked the end of Chief Franco’s 31-year career with the PFD. We appreciate the friend he was to this union and to us all personally.

Thank you, Chief. Enjoy retirement!

07/22/2026

We would like to congratulate and welcome PFF Riley Carroll to the job. He finished probie school Friday and has started in-house training this week. Good job brother…keep up the hard work and buckle up it’s a great ride.