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Community to honor Forestburgh firefighter

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SULLIVAN COUNTY —Community members and firefighters across Sullivan County and beyond are mourning the loss of Forestburgh Firefighter and Assistant Chief William “Billy” Steinberg, who died on Saturday while at the scene of a structure fire in the Town of Thompson.

The Forestburgh Fire District and the Forestburgh Fire Company announced the passing of the 37-year-old Steinberg in a statement Saturday evening,

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to William J. Steinberg’s family and the members of the Forestburgh Fire Company,” the statement read.

According to a firefighter fatality notification issued by the U.S. Fire Administration, Steinberg collapsed while providing mutual aid at a structure fire at 65 Rockridge Drive in Thompson on Jan. 15.

The U.S. Fire Administration said Steinberg was immediately treated and rushed to Garnet Health Medical Center - Catskills where he passed away from an apparent heart attack.

Steinberg was only 16 when he joined the Forestburgh Fire Department as a junior member, but he wanted to be a firefighter even before that, often accompanying his father, former Forestburgh Fire Company Chief Jim Steinberg Sr., to all kinds of fire company events.

Billy was a fourth-generation Steinberg in the fire company, following in the footsteps of his father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Billy’s great-grandfather and grandfather, Harry and Ralph Sr., were charter members.

The family tradition of firefighting continues with his uncle, Ralph Jr, also serving as a member, as well as father James Sr. and brother James Jr.

Billy’s 22-year-old nephew James Steinberg III is also a member.

“Ask anybody about Billy. He was an outgoing individual who loved to be around people and to help people,” Jim Sr. said. “He had a smile that would knock your socks off. When he walked into a room it was like you opened the shades and let the sunshine in.”

Steinberg’s commitment to his community extended beyond the Fire Department. He was an Eagle Scout, one of five in his family. For his Eagle Project, Steinberg built over 500 “911 signs” for residents in the Forestburgh Fire district, which made house numbers easier to see for first responders.

Jim Sr. said that being elected assistant chief earlier this month meant “the world” to Billy.

An outpouring of support and condolences came from fire departments in Sullivan County and throughout the region.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Billy’s family at home and in the fire service,” the White Lake Fire Company said in a statement posted to social media. “Billy will always [be] remembered as an incredible, dedicated volunteer and a staple of his community.”

County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild knew Billy and the Steinberg family for many years, through the Fire Service and through the Boy Scouts organization.

“Billy was always there to lend a helping hand and he always had a smile on his face,” Hauschild said. “He was very dedicated to the fire service, working his way all the way up from firefighter to lieutenant to captain, and he was just elected as assistant fire chief. He had plans for a future in the fire service. He’s going to be deeply missed.

“No matter where you went, whether it was a parade, a pancake breakfast or roast beef dinner - Billy was always there with a smile on his face and always polite and said hello. If you were having a bad day, Billy could make it better,” Hauschild said.

Memorial Service

To honor Steinberg’s service, Broadway in Monticello will be closed in both directions this Saturday, from 8 a.m until 2:00 p.m. Firematic services will be held prior to a funeral Mass celebration at St. Peter’s Catholic Church at the corner of Liberty Street and Broadway. All traffic will be rerouted from Broadway during those hours.

In lieu of flowers, the Forestburgh Fire Company is starting the William Steinberg Memorial Fund to build a monument in front of the firehouse.

Jim Sr. says that remaining money will be used to start a scholarship fund to help young people who plan to pursue a career in the trades.

Donations can sent to the Forestburgh Fire Company at 2539 State Route 42, Forestburgh, New York, 12777.

See complete obituary on page 2B.

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