By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
COEYMANS HOLLOW — Firefighters from fire companies across the area bid a final farewell to a local hero on Sunday, Past Assistant Chief and Fire Commissioner Jody Burrows, who died unexpectedly Jan. 8.
A longtime member of the Coeymans Hollow Volunteer Fire Corporation, Burrows was 55. The cause of death was not revealed.
On Monday, the Corporation posted the “last call” for Burrows.
“This has been a last call fire alarm for Past Chief and Commissioner Jody Burrows,” according to the announcement. “He has dedicated himself for the past 15 years to the Coeymans Hollow Volunteer Fire Corp. and to the community as a friend, firefighter and mentor. He was always there, especially for his family. Rest easy, Chief. We have it from here.”
Burrows’ funeral was conducted Sunday at Babcock’s Funeral Home in Ravena, with a reception following the service at the Coeymans Hollow firehouse.
“Jody was well loved by many, and we are going to miss our Brother Firefighter’s smile, jokes and his knowledge of the fire service,” the Corporation said in a statement.
The community and the fire service said its final goodbyes to Burrows with a solemn procession of fire apparatus to the remembrance reception Sunday.
Numerous fire departments took part.
“We appreciate everyone’s love and appreciation in this time of mourning and hardship,” according to a statement from the Coeymans Hollow Volunteer Fire Corp. “Any support shown from all of our family, friends, brothers and sisters in arms is greatly appreciated.”
First responder agencies that participated in the funeral or provided mutual aid so Coeymans Hollow members could do so included Ravena Fire, Coeymans Fire, Ravena Rescue, Albany County Paramedics, Albany County Sheriff’s Department, Coeymans Police Department, New Baltimore Fire, Medway-Grapeville, Onesquethaw Fire, Niagara Engine Company #6 Schoharie County, Westerlo Fire, Greenville Fire and Selkirk Fire.
Fire company President Jerry DeLuca and Burrows’ sister-in-law Kathy Rafferty delivered the eulogy during the funeral service.
