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