New York Fire Chief Dies Responding to Alarm

By Bill Carey
26 July 2026

PISECO, N.Y. — Hamilton County fire officials are mourning the line-of-duty death of Piseco Volunteer Fire Department Chief Steve Woehrle, who died while serving his department.

The department said on Facebook that Woehrle died on July 20 while responding to an alarm.

Woehrle’s obituary said he began his fire service career at 18 and later served as Elmsford fire chief, police sergeant and acting police chief before retiring in 2009.

After moving to Piseco in 2019, Woehrle joined the volunteer fire department despite ongoing health problems linked to his 9/11 response. He was named chief in 2024.

Piseco Volunteer Fire Department/Facebook

Published by Data Not Drama

Data Not Drama is writings that provide a point of critical thought about firefighter fatality data and education, line of duty deaths, and risk. The main focus is to encourage less risk aversion and better knowledge on the subject of firefighter fatalities in firefighters, fire departments, and fire service organizations. View more posts