Pocono News Section

Community Mourns Loss of Fire Chief

Community Mourns Loss of Fire Chief - Thursday, October 1, 2009 at 3:54PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Thursday, Oct 1, 2009 @ 03:54pm EDT
STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY - A community mourns the loss of a dedicated public servant. Stroudsburg's Fire Chief Clement "Butch" Kochanski died Wednesday. He suffered a heart attack while delivering furniture. The chief was 60 years old.

To honor their chief Stroudsburg Firefighters parked his truck in his usual spot, right in front of the fire station. Stroudsburg Borough Manager Barbara Quarantello said, "Everybody I talked to it brought a tear to their eye because Butch was so protective of that truck. That was his truck and nobody drove his truck but him."

Butch Kochanski was protective of his truck, his parking spot, his town, his family and his fellow firefighters. Assistant Fire Chief Todd Martin said, "He loved Stroudsburg. He loved the fire company." He also said the Chief is irreplaceable. He explained, "Not only did many of us lose a very, very dear friend but the borough lost a hell of a public servant."

Butch spent more than half of his life as a volunteer firefighter. For 18 years he served as chief here in Stroudsburg. He battled fires and supported Martin during a long battle with cancer. "He was my friend. He was there," said Martin.

He was always there for his friends and for his community. Quarantello said, "He never had a mean word to say about anybody. He was always very easy going. Very easy to work with, get along with. He was just a great guy."

Butch leaves behind a loving wife, two children and a community full of people who will never forget him or his desire to protect everyone.

"I think Butch will always be here. Butch always loved Stroudsburg," said Quarantello.

Family and friends can call at the Clark Funeral Home Friday from 5-8 p. m. and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a. m.

The public funeral is scheduled for Monday at 9:30 at the Stroudsburg Cemetery.