Red Birds 60-year member honored for his service to Riverhead Fire Department

When William G. (“Billy”) Hubbard signed up as a volunteer with the Riverhead Fire Department on February 13, 1955 president, he was following in the footsteps of family members who had a long history of service in the department. He would go on to become one of the longest-serving members in the history of the department, founded in 1836.

Hubbard, 86, marks 60 years of active service to the department this month — one of just five current members to attain that length of service milestone. His company, the Red Bird Hook and Ladder Company, in which he’s served his entire tenure as a volunteer firefighter, took note of the milestone last night, with ceremonies at department headquarters.

The company presented him with a red jersey, bearing Hubbard’s name and number, 615, in large white letters across the back; it’s framed under glass for display.

“We’re going to request the commissioners to retire 615, so no one will ever have that number again,” Red Bird Capt. Sean Brennan told Hubbard. “You are our ultimate Red Bird member.”

Hubbard, who twice received Firefighter of the Year honors — in 1965 and 2002 — has served under some 32 chiefs, First Assistant Chief Kevin Brooks noted last night, gesturing at the portraits of 40 chiefs hanging on the meeting room wall.

“When you came in you had your 1939 Seagrave, now you’ve got your ‘97 and ‘99 and a quint,” Brooks said.

“Only four trucks in 60 years,” Hubbard laughed.

The veteran firefighter received plaques, proclamations and accolades from the governor, the county executive, the Riverhead Town Board, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, the Suffolk County Volunteer Firefighters Association, the Riverhead Fire Department and the Red Bird Hook and Ladder Company.

“I’m very overwhelmed,” Hubbard said.

“I like the Red Birds. They’re a good bunch of guys,” Hubbard said.

“Thank you for what you do, too,” he told Brooks and fellow assistant chiefs Peter Jackman and Tim Corwin. “You put in a lot of time and effort.”

“We have a good team here,” Brooks replied.

Councilman James Wooten, who presented Hubbard with a proclamation of the town board, told Hubbard, “You’re exactly what being a firefighter and fire service is all about, community service.”

Peter Blasl contributed reporting.