It is with the deepest regret that the Bayport Fire Department announces that 64 year member of the Hook & Ladder Company, Ex Chief Raymond F. Reilly Sr has answered his last alarm.
An end of an Era has come upon us. Mr. Reilly, as we all called him, was the monarch of the Bayport Fire Department. He joined us at the age of 17 and remained an active member riding the trucks through out his life. Ray was an inspiration to many of us. If Normon Rockwell was to paint a vision of the small town volunteer firefighter, it would be a painting of Ray. When you joined the fire department, you are told, "When you see a senior guy doing something, go over and do it for him.....except for Mr. Reilly, he won't let you". Years later, he still wouldn't let anyone take a broom away or anything else. Everyday you would see Ray cleaning up the ladder truck, or wiping down the counter. You could ask him and receive an answer about any member who ever joined the fire department.
In the crazy world of internal politics, advanced firefighting and technical rescues, it's easy to forget the reasons we joined and why we do what we do, but a simple look at the quiet, mild mannered 81 year old man and you quickly remembered.
In more recent months, Ray battled Leukemia. His absence was noticed but it felt as he were there. I don't think anyone thought there would be a time where we wouldn't see him.
What else can one say about a man who is..... the Bayport Fire Department and everything we stand for.
