Family of Fallen Saugerties Firefighter Sends Moving Holiday Message

The mother of 19-year-old Saugerties resident Jack H. Rose sent a beautifully written holiday message. Rose died a week ago while a battling a fire in Woodstock.

The following email was sent from Brigid Walsh to Saugerties Chief of Police Joseph A. Sinagra, and was asked to be forwarded to the media

"Jack Rose was a heroic and kind person who cared for the people he loved and for his community.

I'm happy to have been Jack Rose's mother for the short time that I had him. I am proud to call him my son. He was a gift.

I have been overwhelmed by the personal stories from individuals in our community about how Jack has touched their lives in one way or another.

But I really do feel that the extraordinary response to Jack's passing is because Jack symbolizes exactly what Christmas is all about:  selflessness, loyalty and sacrifice.  We need more Jack Rose's in the world."

Linda Rose, Mother of Fallen Firefighter Captain Jack Rose.

A moving message from Linda Rose who is going through something no parent ever wants to deal with.

On December 19th, The Mount Marion Fire District announced Jack H. Rose passed away during a call. Firefighters responded to 11 Fel Qui Road in Woodstock for a chimney fire at 6:59PM. Mount Marion firefighters entered the basement to battle the blaze and at some point Rose became separated from his team.. His fellow firefighters located him and brought him outside, but Rose became unresponsive.

The wake for Jack Rose is scheduled for Sunday December 27th from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Seamon-Wilsey Funeral Home in the Village of Saugerties.  If you plan to attend the wake, you are are asked to park at Saugerties High School on Washington Avenue. Shuttles will be run continuously between the High School and the funeral home.

Funeral services are set for Monday December 28th at Noon at St John the Evangelist Church in Saugerties.  Interment with full firematic honors will be conducted at St. Mary's Cemetery, in the Town of Saugerties. 

In honor of Rose, all town offices in the Town and Village of Saugerties will be close on Monday. According to Police, Monday's funeral procession will lead to the closure of parts of 9W and other nearby routes in both the Village and Town of Saugerties between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Police urge everyone to use alternate routes during those hours. 

A GoFundMe campaign has been established for the Captain Jack Rose Memorial Fund