James Smith, Longtime Fire Department Member, Dies at 74

James Smith, who served the Setauket Fire Department in various ways for 48 years, died July 22 at the age of 74 following a long illness.

Smith moved to Setauket in 1963 and immediately joined the Setauket Fire Department, according to his son-in-law Richard Sayler.

Smith was an ex-captain of Engine Co. 9 at Station 2 on Arrowhead Lane, and served for many years as the fire department's secretary and as a dispatcher. He was also involved with the department's Benevolent Association and the Brookhaven Town Fire Police, Sayler said.

About two years ago, Smith was given the rank of honorary chief. He was honored with a firematic service earlier this week.

Smith, who served three years in the Army in the late 1950s, was laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery. He was predeceased by his wife Barbara and his son Brian. He is survived by his daughter Pamela, his sister Barbara, and two grandchildren.

Donations in his name can be made to the Suffolk Firefighters Burn Center at Stony Brook or to Make-A-Wish.