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Remembering
Richard G. Sullivan
Horseheads Fire Department — New York
Classification: Volunteer
Rank: Chief
Date of Death: April 5, 2006
Age: 57
Dick’s devotion to his family and his community
is the legacy he leaves with
us all. His community service started
when he drove a fire truck to a call
at the age of 14. That was just
the first step on a long road of
service and dedication to his
community. Dick served
as chief of the Horseheads
Fire Department for over
27 years, making him
the second longest serving
fire chief in NYS.
He followed his uncle,
George D. Sullivan, who
was chief for 16 years, and
his father, Art Sullivan,
who was chief of Town and
Country Fire Department.
Dick was employed for
over 40 years with Erway
Ambulance as an EMT and
was also owner of Sullivan Fire
Apparatus, a successful business
he operated with his brother, Artie.
Dick’s honest approach and good
nature made him a natural at business
dealings with surrounding fire companies, and
he was respected for his integrity and sincerity.
Dick’s devotion to the Fire Department was only
surpassed by his true devotion to his family. Dick
married Carol Goodyear in 1970 and raised three
children, Kevin, Bridget and Patrick. The apples of
his eye were his two granddaughters, Hannah and
Abby. His day at the office was always made brighter
by a visit from his two girls and the trip to the snack
machine, where Papa would indulge them to his own
delight. Dick’s mother, Fran Sullivan, remembers
fondly his dedication to the community
and to his family. His brother,
Artie, misses Dick not only as a
loved brother, but as a business
partner and as chief. Artie is
now acting chief and relies on
lessons he learned from his
brother over the years.
Dick is truly missed on
a daily basis by his fellow
firemen; he was the
“go to” person and was
always there with a helping
hand or guidance
to fellow firemen. Dick
spent many hours at the
station, coffee in hand and
ready to help.
On the evening of April 4,
2006, Dick assisted on a training
drill of a burn of an acquired
structure. As always, he was assisting
wherever necessary from set up
to the last task. Dick was found unresponsive
the next morning at home, dead of
a heart attack. The funeral and procession that followed
in his honor were second to none that the
village has ever seen.
Dick will forever be in our hearts and memories. A
testament to this can be seen at the monument that
was erected outside of the Fire Station, dedicated to
Dick and fellow firemen fallen in the line of duty.
The monument is a tribute and reminder to our
community of what a special person Dick Sullivan
was. He will always be in our hearts.