CANTON --- St. Lawrence County Government is mourning the loss of Fire Chief Robert White, 65, of the West Stockholm Fire Department. Since 1982, Chief White has served as a District Deputy Coordinator for St. Lawrence County Emergency Services. For 41 years, he served the West Stockholm Fire Department and has served as Chief consecutively since 1996.

“I am saddened by the loss of a dedicated Chief in the Fire Service for St. Lawrence County. He served the County in many capacities over the years including; the District 3 Deputy Coordinator or Car #7, the Operations Manager for the George E. Briggs Fire Training Center, and most recently on the Search Committee for the new Director of Emergency Services. The legacy of commitment and the unwavering effort he put forward to better the fire service in the County will long be remembered. His sudden passing was a surprise, but the fact that he was in service to others at the time was not,” said County Administrator Ruth Doyle.

In his honor, St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators Chair Joseph Lightfoot directed the County Flag to be lowered to half-staff at noon today until the evening after the services are concluded.

“The untimely passing of Fire Chief White will create a void in the fire and emergency services field in St. Lawrence County. For thirty-seven years, he was a District Deputy Coordinator and was instrumental in creating the George E. Briggs Fire Training Center. His impact on the fire service in the County is immeasurable. He was a loyal individual, friend and colleague, who served St. Lawrence County and the West Stockholm Fire Department admirably,” said Chair Lightfoot.

He continued “On behalf of the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators and the Emergency Services Community, I offer our sincere condolences and prayers to Bob’s wife Trudy and his family. I would like to thank them for sharing him with us for all these years. May he rest in peace”

The County will provide support services to colleagues in need during this difficult time.