The Highland, New York, and Hudson Valley first-responder communities are mourning James “Jimmy” Brugger and his wife, Melinda “Mindy” Brugger, who were found dead at their Milton Turnpike home late Friday, August 21, 2026. Jimmy Brugger, 66, was a retired City of Poughkeepsie firefighter and longtime fire-service instructor, while Mindy Brugger, 54, was an EMT, CPR instructor and healthcare safety professional. Authorities have not publicly confirmed the deaths as a murder-suicide, and the cause and manner of death remain under investigation.
Jimmy and Mindy Brugger were found dead at their Highland-area home on Milton Turnpike at about 11:42 p.m. on August 21, 2026. The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and Plattekill Police Department are investigating. Officials have not disclosed how either person died and have not publicly classified the case as a murder-suicide.
What Happened to Jimmy and Mindy Brugger?
Law enforcement and emergency personnel responded to a residence on Milton Turnpike in Highland, Ulster County, after receiving a report of two unconscious individuals shortly before midnight Friday.
When responders arrived, they found Jimmy and Mindy Brugger deceased inside the home.
The investigation continued into Saturday, with the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Plattekill Police Department involved. Authorities have said the investigation remains active.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Names | James “Jimmy” Brugger and Melinda “Mindy” Brugger |
| Ages | Jimmy, 66; Mindy, 54 |
| Location | Milton Turnpike, Highland, New York |
| Date found | August 21, 2026 |
| Approximate response time | 11:42 p.m. |
| Investigating agencies | Ulster County Sheriff, NY State Police, Plattekill Police |
| Cause of death | Not publicly disclosed |
| Manner of death | Under investigation |
Was It a Murder-Suicide in Highland NY?
At this time, official sources do not support describing the Brugger deaths as a murder-suicide.
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly released a cause or manner of death. Current reporting says only that the couple were found deceased and that investigators are working to determine the circumstances. Authorities also indicated there is no known continuing threat to the public.
Because the investigation is ongoing, any claim that one spouse killed the other before dying should be treated as unconfirmed unless investigators or the medical examiner later make such a determination.
Who Was Jimmy Brugger?
James “Jimmy” Brugger spent decades serving the Hudson Valley through the fire service.
He retired from the City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department in 2025 after more than 27 years of professional service and held the rank of lieutenant.
His fire-service involvement reached well beyond his paid career. He joined the Plattekill Fire Department as a volunteer in 1987 and later served as chief. He also volunteered with the Milton Fire Department and worked as both an Ulster County fire instructor and New York State fire instructor.
Colleagues remembered him as an experienced mentor who helped train generations of firefighters.
Jimmy was also known for playing the bagpipes and participating in regional pipe-and-drum organisations.
Jimmy Brugger’s Work Supporting Firefighter Health
During his life, Jimmy also dealt with prostate cancer and became involved in efforts related to firefighter cancer awareness.
He supported the National Firefighter Cancer Registry, which tracks information about cancer among firefighters in an effort to better understand occupational risks.
His advocacy reflected another aspect of the service-focused career for which fellow firefighters are now remembering him.
Who Was Mindy Brugger?
Mindy Brugger was also closely connected to emergency services and healthcare.
She was a certified EMT and CPR instructor, according to information shared by members of the first-responder community.
Her professional background also included work as a System Director for Safety and Emergency Management at Westchester Medical Center, according to the information provided.
She studied public administration at Marist University and was remembered by friends as strong, outspoken, humorous and deeply committed to helping others.
The Ulster County EMS community highlighted her contributions to emergency medical education and described both Mindy and Jimmy as familiar and respected figures in the region.
Jimmy and Mindy Once Helped Save a Man’s Life
One story frequently associated with the Bruggers demonstrates how closely service was woven into their lives together.
In 2016, the couple reportedly helped during a medical emergency at Stewart International Airport while preparing to travel to Florida.
A man suffered a major heart attack at the airport. Jimmy and other responders helped obtain an automated external defibrillator while CPR was performed, and Mindy helped monitor the patient’s condition.
The man regained consciousness before being transferred to paramedics.
The incident became one of many examples of the couple’s connection to emergency response and public service.
Fire Departments Mourn Jimmy and Mindy Brugger
Tributes have poured in from fire departments and first responders across the Hudson Valley.
The Rifton Fire Department offered condolences to the Bruggers’ family, friends and fellow emergency personnel, describing them as two people who devoted their lives to protecting and serving others.
Other emergency-service organisations have shared similar remembrances.
Former colleagues recalled Jimmy as a mentor who helped younger firefighters develop confidence and skill. Mindy was remembered for her personality, compassion and willingness to help people.
The scale of the reaction demonstrates how widely the couple were known within the region’s fire and EMS communities.
Community Reaction
Friends have also shared personal memories following the deaths.
One former firefighter credited Jimmy with providing patience, encouragement and support while she trained for the profession.
Another tribute remembered both Jimmy and Mindy together and reflected on the shock of realizing that a recent gathering with the couple had become the last time friends would see them.
Those messages have added a personal dimension to a tragedy that has affected multiple fire departments, medical professionals and community organisations throughout the Hudson Valley.
Investigation Remains Active
Authorities have not released detailed information about what investigators found inside the Milton Turnpike home.
The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office has been working alongside state and local law enforcement as well as medical-examiner personnel.
Current reporting indicates that the investigation remains ongoing and that officials have not disclosed the cause or circumstances of the deaths.
Until official findings are released, speculation about homicide, suicide or another manner of death should not be presented as established fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Jimmy and Mindy Brugger?
Jimmy Brugger was a retired City of Poughkeepsie firefighter, former Plattekill fire chief and longtime fire instructor. Mindy Brugger was an EMT, CPR instructor and healthcare safety and emergency-management professional.
When were Jimmy and Mindy Brugger found dead?
The couple were found dead at their Milton Turnpike home in Highland, New York, late on Friday, August 21, 2026, after emergency responders were called at approximately 11:42 p.m.
Was the Highland NY case a murder-suicide?
Authorities have not publicly confirmed a murder-suicide. The cause and manner of both deaths remain under investigation, and the Ulster County Sheriff’s Office has not disclosed how Jimmy and Mindy Brugger died.
Conclusion
The deaths of Jimmy and Mindy Brugger in Highland, New York, have brought grief across the Hudson Valley, particularly within the fire, EMS and healthcare communities where both spent years helping others.
Jimmy’s decades of firefighting, instruction and mentoring and Mindy’s work in emergency medical care and safety management created a legacy deeply tied to public service. For now, however, the circumstances of their deaths remain unresolved.
Authorities continue to investigate, and any classification of the case as a murder-suicide should wait for an official determination from law enforcement or the medical examiner.