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LODD REPORT
Firefighter Kenneth Larkin
On Sept 9, 1938 an unnamed hurricane formed in the Eastern Atlantic. It slowly churned west until it hit the east coast of Long Island and New England on Sept. 21st. This storm was to be known as the "Long Island Express" as it raced inland.
On Sept 21st, the Pleasant Valley Fire Department was dispatched for two females trapped in the high waters near Lefty Outwater’s tavern on Creek Road. Pleasant Valley Fire Department with assistance for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and Arlington Fire Department responded with a boat to attempt a rescue.
During the rescue operation the boat that firefighter Ken Larkin, Chief Dubois Haight and an unknown Arlington Fire Department firefighter were in, capsized in the torrent. The Arlington Fire Department firefighter and Chief Haight were rescued. Fireman Larkin was last seen clinging to a tree at 5 a.m. the following day, September 22nd. Sometime later he lost his grip and then lost his life due to drowning along with one of the young ladies.
Pleasant Valley firefighter Kenneth Larkin had just celebrated his 22nd birthday just days prior to his death. He feared not for his life, only for the safety of those in distress.
Compiled by Past Chief Rich Berger
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