Funeral service held in Haverstraw for 18-year-old who died trying to contain Greenwood Lake wildfire
A funeral service for 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez was held Monday morning in Haverstraw at St. Peters Church. The 18-year-old worked with the state Parks and died earlier this month helping to contain the w ildfire in Greenwood Lake.
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A funeral service for 18-year-old Dariel Vasquez was held Monday morning in Haverstraw at St. Peters Church.
The 18-year-old worked with the state parks and died earlier this month helping to contain the wildfire in greenwood lake.
Before the service, pipe and drum players with first responders from throughout the Hudson Valley led the casket to the church, while members from other agencies lined the street.
"All we want is Dariel to be remembered into what he was doing. For the public, for the community," said Anthony Vasquez, of Haverstraw, who is Dariel’s uncle. “He needs to be remembered as a hero."
Vasquez was a 2024 Ramapo High School graduate and the captain of the East Ramapo Titans baseball team his senior year.
He was involved in the NICE program at the high school too, which stands for nurturing, inclusive, community environment. According to its website, its mission is to “build a positive and safe school community where everyone is welcome and encouraged to be the best version of their self."
Wilene Joseph, a program leader, described Vasquez as "great personality, always the life of our circles. Had always had great things to share."
Gov. Kathy Hochul ordered flags to fly at half-staff at state facilities Monday in honor of Vasquez.
