WHITE LAKE — With over 100 years of combined service to the White Lake Fire Company, Ralph Liff, and his son Ira “Moose,” show no sign of slowing down.

When Ralph joined the fire company in 1954, he worked on a dairy farm and at a swimming pool company during the day. His reason for joining was simple; they needed firefighters.

Following in his father's footsteps, Ira joined the company soon after turning 18 in 1969.

In 1969, the Town of Bethel hosted the Woodstock music festival on Max Yasgur's dairy farm just a few miles away from the fire company.

“It was one of the best things that happened to this town; it put us on the map,” said Ira.

When Ira joined the company, they were still using the 1927 tanker truck to fight fires, and it only held 300 gallons of water.

Before pagers and cell phones, firefighters were called to emergencies by the sirens that could be heard across town.

Ira said that growing up and watching his father fight fires and help his community made him want to be a fireman.

“I wanted to save lives,” said Ira. “I wanted to save buildings and fight the fire to protect the town.

When his son joined the company to be by his side, Ralph said he was proud of him.

At one time, there were three generations of Liffs at the fire company. Ira's son, Andrew, also joined when he turned 18.

Ralph eventually retired from active duty as Fire Police, and Ira made it to the rank of First Assistant Chief.

While Ira is retired from being an interior fireman, he is still active with the fire department as he drives the department's apparatus to emergencies.

And Ralph, who is 102 years young, was still active with the fire department until he was 90.

When asked what Ralph's secret to a long life was, he said, “Don't die.”

Ralph was born in Ohio and moved to Sullivan County when he was one-year-old. In the 101 years he has been living in the county, he has seen dramatic changes.

He has seen the rise and fall of the Borscht Belt hotels, Woodstock's celebration, and many more.

Even while COVID-19 has dampened the summer for the White Lake Fire Department, they are still active in the community and have participated in many birthday celebrations throughout Bethel.

Ira said they had good times and bad times at the fire company.

“We've been to accidents where we saved lives; we went into fires in buildings and have been able to save them,” Ira added.

One of those “bad times” that Ira had was when he went into an active fire and found a recently deceased person.

“I would never forget that,” said Ira.

Another time is when the firemen had to use the hydraulic rescue tool known as the “jaws of life” at a truck accident scene. Ira said the cab of the truck was crushed completely, and they didn't think anyone could survive that. But, when they were able cut through the truck cab they found the driver still alive.

The Liffs said that it takes hours of training to do what they did, and all that training pays off when push comes to shove.

When fighting fires, Ira added, “You do what you have to do, and you don't think twice about going into a burning building.”

Ira said it's only after the fire that one comes to realize that they could have died while battling the inferno.

“I am very proud to be in the White Lake Fire Company; every one of the guys in the fire department has your back,” said Ira.

First Assistant Chief Brendon Cunningham said, “Ralph and Moose are what the volunteer service is all about! These men are the foundation of our organization and have given a lifetime of dedicated service to our community and surrounding communities!”

With their many years of service, Cunningham said, “That is impressive, and I can only hope to have so many years! The Liff family has sacrificed so much over the years to help others in need that doesn't go unnoticed.”

Ira said being a fireman is not easy, but it is rewarding and encourages anyone who wants to join their local fire department.

Cunningham said, “Moose is the firefighter we can always count on. When he has a fire truck we as officers have a sense of relief because we have the highest confidence in his abilities to drive, pump, make decisions needed in difficult times.”

Ira said, “You are helping your friends, your neighbor, your community. It's something to be proud of. It's all about community.”

Cunningham added, “On behalf of the White Lake Fire Company we would like to thank the Liff family and Raymond Nuenhoff (featured in pullout for 50 years) for all the years of dedicated, selfless service to our community! We look forward to many more years of serving our great community and listening to all the stories of the past!”