Valley Stream firefighter dies

Valley Stream firefighter Philip Clemens II was killed last week in a motorcycle accident on the Cross Island Parkway in Queens. He leaves behind a 5-month-old son.

Clemens, 27, was lieutenant of Engine Company No. 3, based out of the Cochran Place firehouse. He has been in the fire department for nine years. Clemens was also a New York City police officer, stationed at the 100th precinct, and was off duty at the time of the accident.

According to the New York City Police Department, Clemens lost control of his motorcycle the evening on June 2 and crashed into a guardrail. He was rushed to New York Hospital Queens and later pronounced dead.

Valley Stream Fire Chief Joseph Fernandez said Clemens’s death is a big loss for the department. “He was an excellent fireman,” Fernandez said. “He’s going to be missed.”

Clemens in survived by his son, Philip III, parents Philip and Frieda, and sisters Beth Hager, Valerie and Victoria Clemens. A funeral service with the Valley Stream Fire Department and New York City Police was held on June 6 at the Moore Funeral Home. He was interred at Greenfield Cemetery.

A scholarship is being set up for his son. Donations can be made to:

Philip Clemens III Scholarship Fund

C/O VSFD Engine Co. No. 3

190 Cochran Place

Valley Stream, NY 11581