Ulster County law enforcement officials are investigating the deaths of two well-known Poughkeepsie-area community members who were found dead Friday, Aug. 21.
The Ulster County Sheriff's Office said James "Jimmy" Brugger, 66, and Melinda "Mindy" Brugger, 54, were found unconscious and unresponsive at their home on Milton Turnpike in the town of Plattekill at about 11:45 p.m. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
James and Melinda Brugger were longtime first responders
Both were longtime first responders in Ulster County.
James Brugger served as a lieutenant with the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department and as chief of the Plattekill Fire Department.
Melinda Brugger was an EMT and CPR instructor with the Westchester Medical Center network, according to the Ulster EMS Council.
"Both dedicated their lives
to serving and protecting their communities, and their loss is felt deeply in Ulster County and across the region," Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger said.
"Jimmy and Mindy, thank you for your service. Thank you for your mentorship. Thank you for your friendship. And most importantly, thank you for the countless lives you touched simply by being the people you were," Douglas Finney-Carter, chief of Kerhonkson-Accord EMS, said. "You will both be truly missed, but your service, your lessons, your friendship, and your legacy will never be forgotten."
Cause of death remains under investigation
The cause and manner of the Bruggers' deaths had not been released. The investigation remains ongoing.
This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Poughkeepsie firefighter, wife found dead in Ulster County home
