NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) – Firefighters in Niagara Falls spent Christmas Day mourning one of their own. News 4 learned the 51-year-old man killed in a motorcycle crash near the Fashion Outlets Monday was a Niagara Falls Fire Captain. He’s been identified as Carl ‘Keifer’ Stahlman.
“I was expecting my Merry Christmas text message from him cause he personally did that every year and it won’t happen this year,” said Chief Clifford Mayes with Niagara Falls Fire Department.
The Niagara Falls Fire Department is mourning the loss of one of their own, Fire Captain Carl ‘Keifer’ Stahlman. For acting Chief Clifford Mayes, the 51-year -old wasn’t just a first responder, but a close friend.
“He preferred Keifer. He was one of the, on the job one of the most compassionate men that I’ve seen or women,” said Chief Mayes.
Mayes say Stahlman was riding his motorcycle on his way home from work Monday, when he was hit by another vehicle on Fashion Outlet Boulevard.
Town of Niagara Police say Stahlman was thrown his motorcycle and died at the scene. The driver of the vehicle wasn’t hurt.
“Everybody here is devastated over what happened but he was everybody’s friend,” said Chief Mayes.
Stahlman had been with the Niagara Falls Fire Department for almost 20 years and a captain for the last six.
“He went the little extra step. He’d have the hand on the patient’s shoulder, holding the patient’s hand, trying to reassure them. That’s something that’s exceptional, that’s what set him apart from everybody else in my eyes,” said Chief Mayes.
Mayes says the only thing getting him through Christmas Day is focusing on the good memories.
“Him just dressing up his dog, for Halloween and bringing him to my house, that’s on a personal level. We lived around the corner from each other,” said Chief Mayes.
Stahlman leaves behind a wife and three children.
“They said thank you. They received well wishes and condolences on social media and personally that they really appreciate,” said Chief Mayes.
Chief mayes says there will be grief counselors at the fire department all day to offer support for fellow firefighters.
