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NY firefighter celebrates 69 years of active service

The limited turnout gear was kept on the truck and the first to respond got the gear when Shaw started fighting fire

By Jeff Murray
The Star Gazette

Bill Shaw has been a firefighter since before I was born.

In fact, I suspect Shaw was fighting fires before most of the readers of this column were born.

Shaw, 86, worked for 37 years as a foreman at American Bridge. He also served in the U.S. Marines. But for most of his life, his true calling has been the fire service.

Shaw joined the Elmira Heights Volunteer Fire Department at the tender age of 16, and this spring he will celebrate 69 years as an active member.

Full story: Town and country: Firefighter has been helping Elmira Heights for 69 years