June 11, 1977 2025 hours. The Greenport Fire Department responds to 612 Carpenter Street in regard to a house fire. Firefighters arrive to find an active fire on the ground floor of a two story dwelling. Crews were advised that ten year old Anita Johnson was trapped in a bedroom on the second floor. While crews dealt with the fire, others began searching for the child. During the search, firefighters Richard Sycz (26 years old) and Edward Bellfountaine (18 years old) became disoriented and wound up trapped in a locked bedroom. Both had breathing apparatus on but ran out of air. Both were found with their face pieces off and unconscious. Both were rushed to the hospital where they were pronounced dead. Firefighters Carl Ruroede, George Proferes, and Halsey Staples were also injured in the fire but eventually recovered. It was later discovered that the child had left the building with her father before the arrival of firefighters. Their funeral was held at St. Agnes Church. Over three thousand firefighters were in attendance.
Note: In news reports and on memorial plaques, Richard Sycz is identified as being 27 years old at the time of his death. In fact, he was born July 17, 1950 and died a month short of his 27th birthday. The lot where this house stood is empty to this day.
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