The Service

When I went into the library to look up Dad’s accident, I wasn’t truly prepared for the next photo. As I started to cry, a lady who was working there asked if I was okay. “Yes,” I replied, “I just wasn’t ready to see this page.” I didn’t tell her what I was looking at, but she said, “Okay, I’ll leave you alone.” Seeing the firemen carrying the casket out of the church, I hadn’t realized they would capture a moment like this in a photograph.

The service was packed. People told me that they thought everyone on the island attended—well, just my family could fill the church. I do not remember this time at all, just what people told me. So I do not know if I went or not, for children did not attend as frequently as they do today. Thus, I’m not sure if my brother and sister went either. But I’m sure when this comes out, I will know; someone will tell me for sure. This is something I couldn’t ask my mom, even though we have talked a lot about this book. She even told me that it would be hard to read, but she will give it a noble try. She also mentioned that just talking about it has brought out a lot of the things that happened. I told her that I was sorry, and she said, “No, it is okay. I’m glad you are going to do this, and I am looking forward to reading it.” Okay, back to the story. My family met at my house and then went up to the church. When they arrived, the hearse was there with Earl still inside. The family was seated in the church; then the chiefs and some of the officers carried in the casket. They placed him on the altar, and then the rest of the fire department entered. As you read in the article from the town paper, people came from all around. They had to stand, for there was not an open space in the church. After the service ended and before they began to bring Earl out, the chaplain announced that there would be a reception up at the center fire station, and all would be welcome after the interment. Everyone stood, and the fire department pallbearers walked over to the casket and carried it out of the church. The family followed, then the congregation. They escorted the casket behind the church to the family plot. After the graveside service, most of the people walked to their cars and went to the firehouse where they held the reception for my dad. The family stayed there for a bit and then left to go to the reception.

Earl had a great sendoff. The fire department did an exceptional job with all the arrangements. They had a significant turnout from both fire departments. Yes, Shelter Island had two entirely separate departments; my dad was a member of the center department. This situation is a story in itself; the two departments were like the Hatfields and the McCoys. But when the whistle blew, they united as one.