Firefighter Recognized for Service
by Denise Wright
February 27 was a quiet Saturday until a line of fire trucks showed up on County Route 7 in East Schodack. It was, however, not for a tragic event or emergency but to acknowledge beloved long-time member Doug Farley for his 65 years of continuous active service to the community as a firefighter.
Farley, tearing up, was stunned by the visit of approximately 20 members and five fire trucks, stating, “You’re all here for me?” Fire Company President Frank Curtis presented a plaque and certificate to Farley with Vice President Ali Signor’s assistance. At the same time, his family members, including his children, Jill, Kathy, and Kevin, looked on. “It was so nice that they did this for him,” his daughter, Jill, said. The observance concluded with a company ceremonial salute, and every member individually thanked him for his service.
Farley began his career in 1955 and has held numerous positions in the company that include both active and administrative positions ranging from Chief to Board of Directors. Farley, who spent 12 years as an assistant chief and three years as the chief, has seen many changes throughout his career, but his first love has always been the fire trucks. In the 1960s he served as a truck foreman and has served as a fire truck driver since 1957.
His wife of 63 years, Beverly, is also no stranger to fire fighting. She is one of the original ten women in the district who were active firefighters in the East Schodack area. The East Schodack Fire Company was the third company in New York State to admit women as active firefighters.”