MONTICELLO — The sounds of bagpipes filled the spring air as firefighters from across the county led a procession with family members of those firefighters and fire personnel who lost their …
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MONTICELLO — The sounds of bagpipes filled the spring air as firefighters from across the county led a procession with family members of those firefighters and fire personnel who lost their lives in 2021 for the 63rd Annual Memorial Service that was held at the Sullivan County Government Center in Monticello on May 1.
Over the past two years, the memorial service was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year the lobby of the government center was filled with firefighters, law enforcement and other emergency personnel and family members. Those family members are invited to the memorial service to hear their loved ones’ names read out loud and recognized for their service.
Sullivan County Volunteer Firefighters Association President (SCVFA) Chet Smith from the Rock Hill Fire Department said it was a “pleasure to be back with an in-person ceremony.”
Rev. Robert Popora, who gave the invocation at the memorial, said that many spoke about the first responders during the pandemic, and people now have “an increased awareness and appreciation for all that you do.
“We are grateful for your service and selflessness,” added Rev. Popora.
The Honorable Mark Meddaugh from the Rock Hill Fire Department was Master of Ceremonies for the event and read the names of those who passed away and “answered the long last alarm during the preceding year,” as stated in the resolution for the memorial.
After the deceased firefighter’s name is read out loud, a bell is struck, marking their passing. The sound echoed the lobby of the Sullivan County Government Center as the family members were escorted by fire personnel to receive a rose.
DECEASED MEMBERS LIST FOR 2021
Bloomingburg
Richard “Dick” Roe, Lieutenant- 15 years of service
Callicoon Center
Ralph Neer, Firefighter - 44 years of service
Joseph Erlwein, Firefighter - 52 years of service
Forestburgh
Eugene Raponi, Firefighter - 31 years of service
George Ehrets, Firefighter, Commissioner
Grahamsville
Al Hill, Firefighter - 57 years of service
Highland Lake
Manfred Zechewytz, Firefighter - 24 years of service
Hurleyville
Phil Featherbay, Sr-Firefighter, Former President
Mark Carlson, Ex-Assistant Chief, 51 years of service
Gary Charnow, Firefighter
Joe Garcia, Honorary Member
Lee Berger, Former Commissioner - 49 years of service
Jeffersonville
Terry Krantz, Firefighter - 47 years of service
Carl Fredd, Ex-Chief/Ex-President SCVFA- 61 Years of service
Mark J. Yewchuk, Firefighter - 36 years of service
Arthur Hassis, Firefighter - 63 years of service
Arthur Soule, Firefighter - 52 years of service
Lake Huntington
Thomas Cullen, Firefighter - 2 years (50-plus years in Fire Service)
Kauneonga Lake
Everett Decker, Firefighter
Loch Sheldrake
William Eli “Bill” Bower, Firefighter - Life Member
Richard “Dick” Comfort, Ex-Chief - 56 Years of service
Mountaindale
Joe Karchanik, Fire Police
Mel Miller
Woody Levitan, Ex-Chief
Clarence Rose
North Branch
Harry Hust, Firefighter - 50-plus years of service
Rock Hill
Stephen Buchman, Exempt Member - 54 Years Stanley “Dick” Tremper, Ex-Chief - 59 Years
Allan S. Wolkoff, Ex-Chief, 50 Years
Roscoe-Rockland
Bob Chapman, Ex-President, Life Member - 64 years of service
Donald Eggleton, Ex-President, Life Member - 64 years of service
Mike Bury, Ex-Chief, Life Member - 46 years of service
Mike Decker, Ex-Chief, Life Member - 43 years of service
Tom Quick, Ex-Commissioner, Life Member - 67 years of service
Summitville
Alan Samuel Berg
Smallwood-Mongaup Valley
Mike Sorvillo, Fire Police - 20-plus years of service
White Lake
Ralph Liff, Firefighter - 67 years of service
White Sulphur Springs
Jack Eggler, Firefighter - 63 years of service
Carl Klein, Firefighter - 30 years of service
Ed Roth, Ex-Asst Chief; 48 years of service
Woodridge
Isaac “Yits” Kantrowitz, Ex-Captain, Chaplain, Fire Police; 67 years of service
Wurtsboro
Bob Booth, Ex-Chief - 28 years of service
Youngsville
Brian Knack, Firefighter - 17 years of service
Yulan
Donald E. Paulus, Ex-Chief - 67 years of service
Michael C. Traver, Ex Asst Chief - 38 years of service
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