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Remembering
John R. Westervelt
Spring Valley Hook & Ladder Co. 1 — New York
Classification: Volunteer
Rank: Firefighter
Date of Death: January 22, 2006
Age: 57
John Westervelt suffered a fatal heart
attack on January 22, 2006, while
preparing to respond to an alarm. A
life member of the Spring Valley
Fire Department, he joined in
1974 and, over the years, held
every line officer position.
He served as the department’s
chief from 1991
to 1993. John was also
a former chief of the
Rockland Lake Volunteer
Fire Department. He
was a member of the
Rockland County Chiefs
Association, the Red
Knights Motorcycle
Club, and a life member
of the R.C.V.F.A.
John was born in Nyack,
New York, to John and Anna
Westervelt. He retired in 2002
from the Town of Clarkstown Highway
Department and was working for W.
Harris and Son Trucking in Pearl
River at the time of his death.
John was survived by his loving
wife of 35 years, Cathy;
and his children, Lori and
her husband, Michael;
Michael and his future
wife, Linda; Bryan;
Kristin and her future
husband, Moe; Patrick;
and Kevin. He is also
survived by his brother,
Thomas; extended family;
and his best pals,
Scooby and Scrappy.
John was a great guy and a
dedicated, respected member
of the departments he
served.
I can think of no more stirring symbol of man’s humanity to man
than a fire truck.
— Kurt Vonnegut