DEPOSIT - The New York State Police at Deposit are investigating the accidental death of a member of the East Branch Fire Department that occurred while responding to a motor vehicle crash on Thursday night.

On July 17, at approximately 9:30 p.m., East Branch Fire Department Assistant Chief Jason McGlone, age 51, was responding in a rescue pumper to a report of a vehicle that had struck a utility pole on State Highway 30 in the town of Hancock.

A preliminary investigation determined that a low-hanging electrical wire was in contact with the top of the fire truck. When Assistant Chief McGlone exited the vehicle and made contact with the metal door and the ground, he was electrocuted.

Life-saving measures were performed at the scene but were unsuccessful. Assistant Chief McGlone was pronounced deceased.

The original crash involved a pickup truck operated by  Joseph E. Bellows, age 54, of Downsville, NY. Bellows veered off the roadway, striking a guardrail and utility pole. He was transported to Delaware Valley Hospital for evaluation and treatment of injuries. Following an investigation, Bellows was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated. He was issued appearance tickets and is scheduled to appear in Hancock Town Court on September 8, 2025.  

The investigation into the firefighter’s death remains ongoing.

- Information from the NYSP