It is with great sadness the SVFD announces the passing of Active/Life Member Fred Whipple on Sunday March 19th 2023 joined the SVFD in 1965 and was one of our longest serving active members, 58 years. Fred was known for his great personality and for being the true “senior” man at the firehouse. His knowledge and experience will live on with every member he shared it with. Fred accomplished so many things in his fire service career. Notably, in 1968 he courageously, with extreme risk to himself, entered a confined space and rescued three individuals who had been overcome with fumes. Fred was also a school teacher for 25 years here in Somers and he has undoubtedly touched so many lives. He will be deeply missed by the SVFD and our thoughts and prayers are with the Whipple family and his wife Loretta.