Former chief of Long Hill Fire Department dies
TRUMBULL — Though Daniel Hoyt was an only child, ever since joining the Long Hill Fire Department as a volunteer at 16, he was a member of a large and robust family, said his cousin, Barbara Reddington.
“The fire department really was his family,” said Reddington, who lives in Springfield, N.J. “They had picnics together, fundraisers. They were very close.”
Hoyt died May 10 at age 76. Before retiring, he served as chief of the Long Hill Fire Department from 2002 to 2004.
On Thursday, the department paid tribute to
Hoyt on its Facebook page.
“It is with deepest sadness that the Long Hill
Fire Company #1 Incorporated announces the passing of Past Chief Daniel Hoyt,” the post read. “His service, dedication and love for the LHFD will never be forgotten. May he Rest in Eternal Peace!”
One of his longtime colleagues at Long Hill was Frank Novak, now president of the Long Hill Fire Company. When Novak was 15, he started volunteering at Hoyt’s station and was impressed with his commitment from the beginning.
“Danny was probably one of the most dedicated volunteers to have have worn a Long Hill uniform,” Novak said. “Danny was a great leader, always willing to contribute to the organization, always willing to help.”
Reddington said she doesn’t know why her cousin first began volunteering for the fire department as a teenager, but she knew that service was always important to him.
“He should be remembered as someone who cared very deeply for people and the community,” she said.
According to his obituary, Hoyt attended school in Trumbull and graduated from Babson College, with a BS in business administration. He began his business career as a computer program analyst at Remington Arms. He retired from Gardner Denver Nash LLC where he was an environmental and safety compliance manager.
But working with the fire department was his passion, Reddington said.
“He just loved the company of the other firemen,” she said.
Reddington said, when her cousin met his wife, Lois, they began participating in department activities together.
“They really enjoyed it,” she said.
Novak agreed. “This was their second family,” he said. “They did everything together and did everything with the fire department.”
Lois predeceased Hoyt, and he is survived by Reddington, his brother-in-law Jack D’Andrea, his sistersin-law Kathy Schietinger and Karen Birnbaum, and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, 399 White Plains Road, Trumbull. Funeral services will be on Tuesday at 10 a.m. Interment will follow in the Long Hill Cemetery.
The family requests that people attending services wear a mask.
Donations in Hoyt’s memory may be made to the Long Hill Fire Department, 6315 Main St., Trumbull, CT, 06611.