State Firefighters Association elects Rivera to post
NAPANOCH, N.Y. >> A veteran Napanoch volunteer firefighter was elected second vice president of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York.
Santo (Chan) Rivera, was sworn in Aug. 13 in Tarrytown at the association’s 150th annual convention as the organization celebrated its 150th anniversary of serving volunteer firefighters and EMTs throughout New York state.
“My goals for the coming years are to help FASNY continue to grow as an organization and to promote and protect the interests of the brave men and women who serve as volunteer EMTs and firefighters in New York,” Rivera said in a news release. “On our top list of priorities is the recruitment and retention of firefighters, promoting youth in the fire service, and keeping New Yorkers safe through fire prevention and safety messaging.”
Rivera most recently served on the organization’s board of directors from 2009 to 2019. During that time, he was active in several committees, including Capital Projects and Fire Prevention, the association’s Foundation Board, By-laws, and Convention Exhibits.
A release noted he has traveled across the state to events promoting safety and the association’s programs.
A member of the fire service for nearly 50 years, Rivera rose through the ranks of the Ellenville Fire Department, serving as its first and second assistant chief, before transferring to the Napanoch Fire Department in 1989.
He earned “Firefighter of the Year” honors at the department in 1995, 1996 and 2002, the release said.
Rivera has also served as fire commissioner for the Napanoch Fire District for 25 years, as president of the Ulster County Volunteer
Firemen’s Association, the Ulster County Fire Chief’s Association, the Hudson Valley Volunteer Firemen’s Association and the Hudson Valley Royal Order of the Blue Vest. He also served as Ulster County Fire Committee chairman for 26 years, securing a $60,000 grant for a fire safety trailer.
Rivera also served nine years on the Ellenville Central School District Board, has been a member of the Ellenville Elks for 37 years and Sons of the American Legion Taylor Cook Post for 19 years.
Rivera has a son, Corey; a daughter-in-law, Brianna; and a granddaughter, Sadie.