On January 15, Forestburgh Fire Company Asst. Fire Chief William J. “Billy” Steinberg lost his life in the line of duty serving his community at the scene of a fire in the Town of Thompson. He was 37 years old. 

In his honor and memory, a monument was dedicated to Steinberg outside of the Forestburgh fire hall with a ceremonious unveiling on Saturday, August 27. 

The sound of bagpipes and mostly clear blue skies greeted fellow members of the Forestburgh Fire Company, municipal and county officials, friends, emergency response personnel and family just outside the fire hall. 

Master of Ceremonies and President of the Forestburgh Fire Company Jim Galligan called Steinberg a “firefighter from the day he was born,” as well as inviting Sheriff Mike Schiff to the podium to recite and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. 

After opening prayers by Father Ivan Czete, Vice-Chair of the Fire District Commissioner Alan Kesten introduced his fellow Commissioners.

Forestburgh Fire Company Fire Chief Zachary Petrowsky spoke fondly of the late Billy Steinberg.

Petrowsky also introduced Todd Petrowsky Sr. as Second Assistant Chief, Captain John Cassidy Jr., and lieutenant Mike Rommell.

Following these introductions, the memorial was unveiled.

The monument sits atop a circular cement base and presents a bell encircled by a black metal ring attached to a decorative red beam. The monument includes a ceremonial headstone engraved in Steinberg’s honor.

Forestburgh Town Board Member Steve Budofsky then spoke before the crowd.

“We thank you Billy for your dedication, your service and your sacrifice,” Budofsky said. “Whether Billy was wearing a construction vest, firefighter’s gear, or his cowboy hat, he was always the same Billy, the guy with a big smile on his face, the guy who would give you the shirt off his back, the guy who knew how to have a good time.”

Budofsky also read before the crowd an excerpt from the song, Shine Your Light, by Robbie Robertson.

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther called Steinberg a “remarkable young man” who cared about his community.

“All who pass by this monument dedicated to him will think of Billy every day,” Gunther said.

“When I think about the fire service, honor and tradition is what comes to mind,” Sullivan County Fire Coordinator John Hauschild said. “As a child I knew I wanted to do it, as did Billy. When he joined the Forestburgh Fire Company, he became the fourth generation of Steinberg’s to do so.” 

Hauschild went on to describe Steinberg’s friendly nature, his mentorship to others in the community, and his contagious smile.

“As we gather here, our hearts are broken but our spirits are strong. Especially as we celebrate and honor the service that Billy gave us,” Hauschild said.

Former President of the Forestburgh Fire Company, Carl Amaditz, recited the Fireman’s Prayer in honor of Steinberg.

James Steinberg, Sr., Billy’s Father and fellow member of the Forestburgh Fire Company, thanked the crowd and recognized numerous businesses and people that assisted in the construction and implementation of the memorial.

Closing prayers were given by Father Bob Porpora of Monticello.