Past Chief, Paul Sykes

At this time, it is with sadness and deep regret that we let you know of the passing of Past Chief, Paul Sykes Sr.

Chief Sykes was surrounded by his family as he made his final journey home to be with his beloved late wife, Rita.

Paul joined the SVFD in 1951, moving up the ranks and becoming Chief in 1978 for a duration of 12 years, stepping down at the end of 1989. He oversaw the building of the new and current Station and lent a major hand in bringing us into the future with the paging system that we utilize to this day.

Many of us have a ton of memories growing up with Chief Sykes through the years, whether it be at BBQ's and swimming in the family pool, playing softball with him in the Echo League, to learning and working with him on scene. Paul would always be seen answering the old "fire phone" that was at the back of Sykes store and then sprinting over to the station to grab a truck and respond to the incident at hand!

We ask that you keep the entire Sykes family in your thoughts and prayers as they go through this difficult time. The SVFD would like to also thank Paul Allen, Terry, Eileen, and all of the grandchildren and great grandchildren for sharing Past Chief Sykes with us for all of those years. His dedication and commitment to the SVFD will never be forgotten.

Rest easy Past Chief Paul Sykes Sr. We Thank You for your service and will miss you!

- Chief David Corlew, Jr.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, February 13, 2022 at 2:00 pm at the Hall & Higgins Funeral Home, 457 NY 43, Stephentown with Revs. Bob & Joy Lowenthal officiating. Interment will be in the spring at the Cemetery of the Evergreens, New Lebanon. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home on Sunday prior to the service from 12-2 pm. Obituary & more information.