Hudson Valley First Responder Couple Found Dead, Probe Underway
Authorities in Ulster County are investigating the deaths of two well-known Hudson Valley first responders
The Ulster County Sheriff's Office, New York State Police, and the Plattekill Police Department are jointly investigating the deaths of two people found at a home on Milton Turnpike in the Town of Plattekill late Friday night.
Deputies, troopers, and Plattekill officers responded just before midnight after getting a call about two unconscious individuals. When they arrived, both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The two were later identified as a 66-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman. The Orange County Sheriff's Office canine unit also assisted at the scene.
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Authorities say the investigation is active and ongoing, but they do not believe there is any threat to the public. No further details about the cause or circumstances of the deaths have been released.
The Ulster County EMS Council identified the two as James "Jimmy" Brugger and his wife Melinda "Mindy" Brugger, both well-known figures across the Hudson Valley first responder community.
Jimmy was a career Lieutenant with the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department and Past Chief of the Plattekill Fire Department. He also served as a state and county fire instructor and was widely known as a bagpiper throughout the region.
Mindy was a certified EMT and CPR instructor who worked within the Westchester Medical Center network and played a key role in getting WMC to sponsor the EMS Council's annual Education Day.
“There is always help available. No one should ever go through a tough time alone. If you need someone to listen to you, or maybe just need someone to talk to, reach out. You are not alone! We are there for each other in the first responder community, no matter what.” Ulster County EMS Council President Jeff Ashdown said.
Additional information is expected to be released as the investigation continues. Hudson Valley Post will update this story as more details become available.
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