Stone Ridge, N.Y. - Ulster County Executive Mike Hein was joined by the family of the late Mount Marion Firefighter Captain Jack Rose, Steve Peterson the Director of Ulster County Emergency Management, Everett Erichsen the Deputy Director of  Ulster County Emergency Services and Fire Coordinator, SUNY Ulster President Dr. Alan Roberts, Chief Dave Ayers of the Mount Marion Fire Department and Chief James Mullen of the Centerville Fire District, to dedicate the Captain Jack Rose Memorial Lecture Hall in honor of the 19-year-old Mount Marion firefighter who died in the line of duty in 2015. Captain Rose’s passion and commitment to pursuing a career as a firefighter led him to realize his life-long dream by joining the Mount Marion Fire Department at the age of 16.

The County worked together with SUNY Ulster to renovate the Burroughs 120 lecture hall, creating a modern state-of-the-art lecture hall that will host critically important programs and courses as part of the new county-wide comprehensive Ulster County Fire Training Center program. The Fire Training Center is part of the County Executive’s Firefighter Investment Recruitment Service and Training (F.I.R.S.T.) Program, and includes a shared services network plan at multiple locations with significant classroom instruction provided at SUNY Ulster and two satellite sites providing live burn and extrication training. The plan ensures that all 50 fire departments in Ulster County will have convenient access to a training facility.

Michael P. Hein, Ulster County Executive

“Captain Rose’s legacy will continue on through the education of the countless students that will learn within the lecture hall now named in his honor and it will also serve to train future fire fighters,” said Ulster County Executive Mike Hein. “I believe ensuring our firefighters and all first responders have access to modern technology and the best possible education and training is our humble obligation to the brave men and women who place their lives at risk each day to protect our community. I would like to thank the Rose Family and his fellow firefighters for participating in this very special event honoring Captain Rose’s memory.”

The Rose Family

“We are humbled that the Memorial Lecture Hall at Ulster County Community College is dedicated to the memory and honor of our son, brother, and uncle, Jack Rose. We want to thank County Executive Mike Hein and Dr. Alan P Roberts President of Ulster County Community College and everyone involved in making this honor happen. We believe that this is so fitting as Jack was very dedicated to training and furthering, not only his own knowledge and skills, but those of his fellow firefighters as well. We know that Jack would be so proud that you saw fit to honor this memory this way. For all firefighters and first responders who attend lectures and conferences in this new hall, please know that the Rose Family thanks all of you for your service and dedication. Get home safely after each and every call.”

Steve Peterson, Director of Ulster County Emergency Management and Services

“Captain Rose was devoted to his family, profession and community; he ran toward danger to protect others from it, and rendered aid to many during their time of greatest need,” said Steve Peterson, Director of Ulster County Emergency Management and Services. “The Captain Jack Rose Memorial Hall will help provide Ulster County’s firefighters with the training and education they need to stay safe while helping others. I would like to thank County Executive Hein for helping to ensure that future generations will continue to learn about Captain Rose’s legacy.”

Everett Erichsen, Deputy Director of Emergency Services/Fire Coordinator

“Captain Jack Rose was an exemplary member of the fire service demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and commitment beyond his years,” said Everett Erichsen, Deputy Director of Emergency Services and Fire Coordinator. “There is no better way I can find for us to remember him than by dedicating this lecture hall to him for those from the fire service who will train here through the years to come.  We must respect the memory of every firefighter who has made the supreme sacrifice and learn from it. I thank County Executive Hein for this important tribute which will help in carrying on Captain Rose’s memory.”

Dr. Alan Roberts, SUNY Ulster President

"SUNY Ulster was pleased to collaborate with Ulster County and Ulster County Executive Mike Hein on the renovation of the College's Burroughs 120 Lecture Hall into a state-of-the-art lecture facility,” said Dr. Alan Roberts, SUNY Ulster President.  “SUNY Ulster students engaged in academic coursework (primarily STEM courses ranging from chemistry to Veterinary Technology are held in the room) and firefighters in Ulster County (participating in training programs and certifications) will benefit from the use of this newly renovated space on the College's Stone Ridge Campus as well as the SUNY Ulster community at large.  The significantly upgraded technology, the improved sight-lines in a relatively large lecture hall, and the enriched acoustics and seating all contribute to an enhanced learning experience for our students and ensures they are learning in facilities that are contemporary and designed to meet the needs of a generation of digital natives.  We were deeply honored to memorialize Captain Jack Rose's service to his community as a courageous volunteer firefighter in the naming of, Captain Jack Rose Memorial Hall."

Pictured Above: County Executive Mike Hein with the family of Captain Jack Rose.  Pictured below: County Executive Mike Hein with the family of Captain Jack Rose and members of the Mt. Marion Fire Department and Centerville Fire District.