The Batavian
BETHANY, N.Y. — A cherished tradition among firefighters is honoring a departed comrade by flying mourning flags on each side of the fire station and displaying a helmet and turnout coat on a folding chair, with a set of boots in front.
And so it was after the unexpected death Monday, April 14, of Bethany Town Supervisor Louis J. Gayton, whose dedicated service to his community was well known and respected. It included more than 50 years as a volunteer firefighter.
The loss of Louie, who was 75, is deeply felt, not only by family and friends, but also many residents in Bethany and the entire firefighting community. Now there is a lot of outrage, too. Outrage that someone stole the helmet and the turnout coat from Mr. Gayton’s mourning display. The chair and boots were left there.
Full story: Helmet and coat stolen from mourning display for Louie Gayton at Bethany fire station