Otter Lake Firefighter Loses Home To Fire

Help the Otter Lake Fire Department help one of our own.  Bob Gape is a 25+ year member of the department.  On Tuesday, February 16, 2021 Bob lost his home and all his belongings due to a fire.  Bob suffered 1st, 2nd and 3rd degree burns on 20% of his body.  He escaped the fire in his socks and with only the clothes on his back.  He was found outside the structure in zero degree weather and transported to a local hospital.  He was later transferred to Upstate Medical in Syracuse for burn care, where he is still being treated.  Bob is in immediate need of housing and financial assiastance.

Bob is a Navy Veteran, and is very active in the Harland J. Hennessey VFW Post 5538, Boonville, NY.  He currently holds the positions of Junior Vice Commander, Service Officer, and Officer In Charge of POW/MIA District Ceremony Honor Guard.  Bob has served in countless Honor Guard ceremonies throughout the state. 

Many people know him as "Cabana Bob", spending many hours volunteering at the firehouse selling our truck tickets.  He thoroughly enjoyed meeting the many fine people that stopped in, sharing stories of his Navy years and fire department tales.

All funds raised will be given to Bob to help him rebuild his life and purchase basic necessities.  Unfortunately, there was no fire insurance on the home at the time of the fire.