Windham Hose Company rallying behind family after tragedy

WINDHAM―The Windham Chamber of Commerce summer concert series offers a lineup of fantastic local bands, playing to the backdrop of the picturesque C.D. Lane Park. These monthly music events also give concertgoers an opportunity to support local organizations, with a different group selling food during each show.

This Friday, August 7, Windham Hose Company #1 will be serving up hot dogs, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, and recently decided that the preplanned fundraiser will benefit the Dempsey family who lost their son last week in a tragic UTV accident.

“Assistant Chief [Ryan] Dempsey and his family suffered a tremendous loss―one that no family should have to endure,” the fire department stated.

Ryan Dempsey, in addition to being an active firefighter, also serves as pastor of Mitchell Hollow Mission Church. He and his wife Alisa are parents to 12-year-old Levi and 10-year-old Cade Dempsey, who were involved in the crash in Maplecrest this past Friday evening.

The brothers were flown to Albany Medical Center where Levi was pronounced dead and Cade remains in critical condition.

Two other occupants, a 14-year-old driver and an 11-year-old passenger, sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene by EMS.

The concert, featuring modern country and rock band Tame The Rooster, runs from 6 p.m. to dusk at the park, located at 281 Big Hollow Road in Maplecrest. Admission is free and all proceeds from food sold will go directly to the Dempseys.

“Please come out to enjoy a great concert, while also helping support a local family in this difficult time,” the fire company stated.

Anyone unable to attend, but would like to donate, can send checks directly to the Windham Hose Company (attention: chief), P.O. Box 3, Windham, NY 12496. Please put "Dempsey Donation” in the memo.

As of Wednesday night, an Everloved.com page had already raised more than $106,000 to help the Dempseys.