Long-time Albion fire chief will step down in May
Harry Papponetti has served as chief 16 years, plans to stay active with AFD
Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion Fire Chief Harry Papponetti talks on the radio at a smoky scene on Route 31A on Dec. 11, 2016.
ALBION – Harry Papponetti, a long-time leader for the Albion Fire Department, will be stepping down as fire chief in May.
Papponetti, 69, has been fire chief the past 6 years and has served in the role for 16 years overall during his 51 years with the Albion Fire Department.
He informed the Albion Village Board on Wednesday evening that he decided against another year as the fire chief. Rob Conner will take over as chief in May.
Papponetti said the AFD is fortunate to have a group of younger, dedicated firefighters in the leadership ranks, including his son John Papponetti, the county’s DPW superintendent. Jim Perruzzini is in line to be deputy chief, the second in command.
“You have a nice group of guys coming up,” Harry Papponetti told the Village Board. “I’m still going to work hard with the guys.”
Papponetti said he plans to oversee equipment for the department and respond to calls.
He was praised by the Village Board for his many years of service in the department.
“Thank you so much for all you’ve done,” Mayor Eileen Banker told him. “You’ve always gone above and beyond.”
