Assemblyman David DiPietro (R,C-East Aurora) and Sen. Patrick Gallivan (R,C-60th SD) joined the Boston Volunteer Fire Company and local officials to dedicate a bridge on Rice Road as the “Boston Fire Company Fallen Firefighters Memorial Bridge” in honor of four brave volunteer firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice in 1978.

On July 15, 1978, First Assistant Chief Donald Pfarner (33), Lieutenant Dana Stevens (28), firefighter Eugene Schmitt (37) and firefighter David Hadley (28) of the Boston Volunteer Fire Company died while attempting to rescue a neighbor overcome by carbon monoxide fumes during a well-cleaning project on Haag Road. Their deaths represent the greatest loss of life in the line of duty for firefighters in the Southtowns.

“These four heroes ran toward danger, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” said DiPietro. “I was proud to carry the bill to designate this bridge in their memory, and I thank Sen. Gallivan for carrying it in the Senate. Today’s dedication ensures that the courage of First Assistant Chief Pfarner, Lieutenant Stevens, firefighter Schmitt and firefighter Hadley will continue to inspire future generations of volunteer firefighters across Western New York.”

“As you can image, this tragedy shook the entire Boston community and firefighters throughout the region,” Sen. Gallivan said. “It is never too late to recognize the service these brave volunteers provided to their neighbors and to honor their memory. This bridge designation will help ensure future generations know of their sacrifice.”

DiPietro and Gallivan thanked the Boston Volunteer Fire Company, the Town of Boston and all those who worked to make this memorial a reality.