Firefighters across Western New York are mourning the death of Carl “Keifer” Stahlman, a veteran of the Niagara Falls Fire Department who was killed in an off-duty traffic accident on Christmas Eve.
Cliff Mayes, the acting Niagara Falls fire chief, remembered Stahlman as a joyful and committed firefighter.
“His favorite phrase, since his first day on the job – I heard this thousands of times – was ‘What can I do for you?’” Mays said.
Town of Niagara police are continuing to investigate a fatal crash involving the 51-year-old Stahlman who was killed in an accident that occurred about 5:10 p.m. Monday on Fashion Outlet Boulevard near Military Road.
Police reported that Stahlman, an acting fire captain with the Falls fire department, was operating a motorcycle, traveling north on Fashion Outlet Boulevard when he was struck by a vehicle exiting the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls. He was ejected and died at the scene.
The driver of the vehicle, a 19-year-old Grand Island woman was not injured.
Town of Niagara Police were assisted by the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team and members of the crime scene unit. Other assisting agencies were the New York State Police, Niagara Falls Police, Niagara Active Hose and Mercy EMS.
Charges will be determined upon the completion of the accident investigation, authorities have said.
Stahlman is survived by his wife and three children.
