By Kat Leslie
On the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025, a devastating fire engulfed a residence at 649 Wheeler Road in the Village of Florida, NY, resulting in the tragic death of 69-year-old homeowner Louis J. Miloszewski Jr.
At approximately 8:06 p.m., emergency services, including the Florida and Pine Island Fire Departments and the Town of Warwick Police Department, responded to reports of a house fire.
Warwick police said the first units to arrive on the scene found heavy fire at the rear of the three-story house spreading rapidly from the ground floor through the roof. It was reported that the homeowner was unaccounted for at the time. Present firefighters began firefighting and search operations immediately.
Florida Fire Chief Ronald Heter Jr. promptly requested mutual aid from neighboring fire departments, including Warwick, Goshen, Chester, Greenwood Lake, Washingtonville, Silver Lake, and Slate Hill, to combat the blaze.
Once firefighters brought the main fire under control, they discovered the body of Louis J. Miloszewski Jr., the sole occupant of the residence. Authorities have stated that while the cause of the fire remains under investigation, foul play is not suspected. No injuries to firefighters were reported during the incident.
Louis J. Miloszewski Jr. was a lifelong resident of Florida, NY, and a dedicated dairy farmer. Born to the late Louis and Anna Yanosh Miloszewski, he continued his family’s farming legacy in the area. The tragic loss of Louis Miloszewski Jr. has deeply affected the local community. Neighbors and friends remember him as a hardworking individual dedicated to his farm and family.
This heartbreaking loss reminds us all just how devastating house fires can be and why fire safety is so important in our homes and neighborhoods. It also shines a light on the incredible bravery of our local firefighters and first responders, who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our community.
The tragedy brought not only first responders but also dedicated community members together in a remarkable display of support. Among them was Glenn Ehlers, a Florida resident and Orange County Legislator, who didn’t just represent his community in government but was on the ground, working alongside firefighters.
Ehlers, who served as the past President of Highland Engine and Hose Co. No. 3, joined the crew of Florida Fire Engine 607 as pump operator, spending over six hours pumping water from a nearby stream to ensure a steady supply for the teams battling the flames. Firefighters refer to this crucial process as creating “positive water flow”, a method that allowed water to be drafted from the stream and delivered directly to the frontline crews. His efforts, along with those of many others, continued tirelessly until 2 a.m., demonstrating the deep-rooted commitment of the Florida community to its own in times of crisis. Ehlers was assisted at the supply site by Warwick Engine 634 with past Chief Mike Contaxis and his crew.
Beyond his role as a volunteer firefighter and member of Orange County Legislature, Ehlers is also an active member of the Warwick Community Ambulance Corps. His dedication to public service and emergency response was evident that night, as he worked side by side with fellow firefighters to combat the blaze and support his community in its time of need.
Ehlers, reflecting on the night’s efforts, emphasized the importance of teamwork and community support in such emergencies: “When a tragedy like this happens, everyone comes together doing whatever needs to be done to help. I was just one of many making sure our frontline firefighters had the water they needed to battle the flames. Seeing the dedication of these crews firsthand was truly remarkable.”
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by local authorities, including the Orange County Fire Coordinators Unit and the Orange County Arson Task Force. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
