John Anderson, longtime and loyal Amityville firefighter
by Tiffany Elliott and Carolyn James

Longtime Amityville resident and former Amityville Fire Department Captain John Walter Anderson died July 16, 2007 at his home. He was 84 years old.

Born May 3, 1923 in Staten Island to Andrew John and Maria (Frederickson), he was employed by Grumman Aerospace as an electronic technician/aircraft mechanic until his retirement. During World War II, he was employed as a United States Air Force civilian at the Rome Air Depot.

"He was very proud of his membership in the Amityville Fire Department and was a long and loyal member," said Fire Chief Artie Smith. "He worked his way through the ranks to become Captain of the Hook and Ladder and even long after he was unable to respond to fires he remained active and helped in any way he could." He was a member of the department for 59 years.

Ken Lang, another firefighter who knew Mr. Anderson for most of his life, described him as a "typical old timer" who looked upon the fire department as his extended family.

"He had been in the fire department for so long, he saw tremendous changes," said Lang. "Long after he could respond to fires, he'd still come down to the firehouse and sit and discuss the issues of the day, everything from what was happening in Amityville to what was happening around the world. And he'd always make his opinions known."

During his tenure with the Fire Department, he served not only as Captain of the Hook and Ladder but also as a Council Warden and Council secretary. He also helped to bridge the gap between the older members of the department and the newer ones.

"He could always be found telling stories about the way they used to fight fires in Amityville," said Smith, "telling stories about the 'old days'."

Mr. Anderson was also a longtime member of the St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Mr. Anderson leaves behind his daughter, Karen J. Beatenbough of Newnan, Georgia; his grandchildren: Cole Beatenbough and his wife Joanna and Dane Beatenbough and his wife Jesse. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Maria in 2000.

The Amityville Fire Department held a Firematic service at the Powell Funeral Home, Amityville, on July 18, 2007. A Funeral Service was officiated by the Rev. David W. Anglin, Pastor, St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Interment followed at Pinelawn Memorial Park on July 19, 2007, escorted by the Amityville Fire Department.

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