By Kathy Coffta Sims
The Post-Standard
Copyright 2007 Post-Standard
All Rights Reserved
ONEIDA, N.Y. — Oneida Firefighter Mitch Dryer continues to recover from severe burns he suffered while fighting a fire April 22 at City Lanes bowling alley.
Don Hudson, the city’s fire chief, said Dryer had surgery Friday and came through it well. Dryer remained in serious condition Monday night.
“The surgery was to clean up the burns,” Hudson said. “The doctors are very optimistic.”
Dryer, who served with the 174th Fighter Wing in Iraq, was hurt when the roof of the building, at 210 Main St., collapsed on him. He was trapped for 17 minutes and suffered third-degree burns on his right arm and right leg. He has been at University Hospital’s burn unit since the day of the blaze.
Hudson said that when he saw Dryer over the weekend he looked really good.
“He looks like Mitch,” Hudson said. He said Dryer is still heavily sedated.
Hudson said the state Office of Fire Prevention continues to look for the cause of the fire.
“The original building was built in the 1920s,” Hudson said of the former theater. “It was the old projection booth that fell on him when the roof collapsed.”
Hudson said the building had been remodeled several times and the projection booth had been covered over. He said there was a space between the false ceiling and the actual ceiling and that this “void” is probably what caused problems for Dryer and his partner, Lt. Rob Cowles.
Cowles, who was working with Dryer when the roof collapsed, suffered minor injuries. He was instrumental in getting help for Dryer once the roof came down.
Hudson said he’s confident the state will find the cause of the fire. He said an independent investigator is scheduled to visit the fire scene this week.
Once the state finishes its inquiry, “they’ll send us a written report about what they found,” Hudson said.
In the meantime, Dryer’s co-workers continue to work through a variety of emotions.
“The biggest test, for me as a chief, is going to be when the bell rings again,” Hudson said. “But I’m confident that these guys will be able to do what they need to do.”
Hudson said a fund has been set up at Oneida Savings Bank to help Mitch and Aimee Dryer with any expenses they may need covered.
Hudson said those who wish to contribute can send checks to the Dryers in care of Oneida Savings or drop them off at any of the bank’s branches.
Kathy Coffta Sims can be reached at or at 470-3253.
To help the Dryers
If you’d like to contribute to a fund for Mitch and Aimee Dryer, send checks, made out to the Dryers, to Oneida Savings Bank, 182 Main St., Oneida 13421.