Ex-Chief Honored For 70 Years Of Service

Ex-Huntington Manor Chief Alan Bayley, center, gets ready to cut his 70th anniversary cake with family member (Photo by Steve Silverman).

Huntington Manor fire officials recently honored Ex-Chief Alan Bayley Sr. for his 70 years of service to the department and community.

Bayley was joined by family, including sons Alan Jr. and David, who are both members of the fire department; friends; and fellow firefighters at a testimonial dinner. Bayley received awards and recognition from many organizations including Huntington Manor Fire Department chiefs, companies and commissioners, the Town of Huntington, New York State and numerous firematic organizations that came to pay tribute.

Bayley began his extraordinary volunteer firefighting career in 1945, when he joined the Halesite Fire Department. He remained a member until 1955, when he moved to Huntington Station. There, he joined the Huntington Manor Fire Department in 1956, and was elected to hook and ladder company captain in 1974. Bayley began rising through the chief’s office and was elected chief of the department in 1980, and then again in 1981.

He is active and has held leadership positions in many fire service organizations, including the Suffolk County and Town of Huntington fire chiefs councils; Fireman’s Association of the State of New York; Suffolk County and Town of Huntington safety officers associations; Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association; Southern New York Firefighters Association; and Town of Huntington Exempt Firefighters Association.

As a young man, Bayley began driving coach buses for Huntington Coach Corp. He later went to do automotive repairs for Emil Nash on New York Avenue in Huntington. Bayley was later employed by the Town of Huntington Highway Department, and was promoted to foreman and then general foreman. He was in charge of three different highway yards and their trucks and equipment. He retired from the town after 26 years of service.

Bayley continues to be very active on committees for Huntington Manor Fire Department, including election, bylaws and truck committees.