by Steve Silverman
Suffolk County’s Chief Fire Marshal Edward Springer of St. James, recently retired after 28 years of faithful and dedicated service. Springer is a well-respected member of the community, who has served his country, county and community with honor and distinction for many years.
Springer began his firematic career in 1971 when he joined the St. James Fire Department. Springer served in the United States Army from 1972-1975 in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War. He was discharged from the military in 1975 and resumed his duties as a volunteer firefighter with the St. James FD. Springer then progressed through the officer’s ranks to become Chief of the Department, serving in that position from 1988-1999.In 1976, Springer was employed by the United States Veterans Administration as a firefighter at the Northport VA Hospital, and became their Fire Chief in 1984. In 1988, Springer became a Fire Marshal with the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services, and progressed through the ranks to become the Chief County Fire Marshal in 2011, serving until his retirement in January 2016.
As the Chief Fire Marshal, Springer oversaw the only Suffolk County Arson Detection K9 program that is in its 25th year of operation with two K9 handlers. The K9 teams have been instrumental in assisting with numerous arson cases within the County, as well as throughout the country with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
In his role as the County’s Chief Fire Marshal, Springer supervised the Weapons of Mass Destruction and Radiological programs, Decontamination Response Team, Urban Search and Rescue Team, Fire Extinguisher and Fixed Systems Licensing Board, and the Juvenile Fire Intervention Program.
Springer is currently in his second term as Commissioner of the St. James Fire District, and remains active as an interior firefighter. He also serves as the Commander of the American Legion Post 1152, located in St. James.
At Springer’s retirement, a walk-out ceremony was held as he left the Suffolk Fire-Rescue building on his last day of work, accompanied by family and led by his six grandchildren. Fellow colleagues at Suffolk FRES, firefighters from St. James and other local communities, Fire Marshals from throughout the County and Suffolk Police and Deputy Sheriffs paid tribute to Springer as they lined up in formation with a salute and congratulations for an exceptional and outstanding career of service.