Retired EMS captain with ALS in monthslong fight for wheelchair ramp outside home
Kevin Haugh, 62, who retired after 38 years of service, has been steadily losing his ability to move since well before his ALS diagnosis in February. He wants to enjoy the outdoors while he still can.
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A decorated, former EMS captain for the New York City Fire Department who is battling a debilitating disease is hitting roadblocks as he and his family seek approval for a wheelchair ramp outside his Pearl River condo.
Kevin Haugh, 62, who retired after 38 years of service, has been steadily losing his ability to move since well before his ALS diagnosis in February. After nearly four months, he is still stuck inside.
Haugh says he wants to enjoy the outdoors while he still can.
"Since May, I've been out of here a total of three times," he said Wednesday during an interview in his living room.
Haugh sent the Celia Gardens Homeowners Association a request to build a wheelchair ramp outside Building 235, along with a design provided by an engineer.
The HOA approved the request to build a ramp. But the property management company then rejected the design and could not honor Haugh's request that the Fight For Firefighters Foundation lead the project.
The foundation is a group of current and former firefighters who build wheelchair ramps statewide for retired first responders.
"Every time they presented something, the management company came back with something different," Haugh said.
They eventually agreed on a new design.
However, the property manager said that the foundation cannot be in charge of a project in a shared complex.
He said a licensed, insured contractor can be in charge of the project and oversee the foundation's work as long as the contractor takes on legal responsibility.
Haugh showed News 12 an estimate of $0 from a local contractor offering to oversee the ramp work.
The property manager said he is waiting on the documentation.
"My indemnification form that the insurance company for the association sent me says 'attach the contract,'" he said.
The contractor who wrote up the estimate and project details has not responded to News 12's calls and emails seeking comment.
Haugh said that over the last 14 weeks, he and his support system have dealt with some people who were unprepared to help him.
"Just because I have ALS doesn't mean I'm dying of ALS," Haugh said. "I'm living with ALS. I want to be able to live my best life. Not being able to get out of the house kind of hits me."
The property manager said the project can begin once the contract is submitted and some other forms are signed.
