In this small town tucked away in the foothills of the Catskills, tradition is destined to be bred. Tradition can shape who we are, what we perceive as important, our principles, our outlook on life and how we care for others. For Livingston Manor’s Hoag and Roser families, family tradition involves late-night calls, heavy equipment, neon reflective uniforms and generational commitment to the community.

In 1970, Bill Roser, Sr. began his lifelong commitment to the Livingston Manor Fire Department. Inspired by his friends and family to join, he claims it was “the thing to do.” Roser worked with his brothers John, a past chief, and Tommy in his early adulthood, eventually reaching chief status himself.

Over his 54-year-long career, he has cherished working beside his boys Danny and Billy, Jr. Both sons were chiefs themselves, and grandson William Roser just joined them as a chief as well. Roser explained what motivated him to continue serving. “I do it to help the community. Even at my age, I still feel that I can do something to help and to give back to them.”

Destined to join the LMFD

In 1989, on his 18th birthday, Billy Roser, Jr. signed up with the Livingston Manor Fire Department. He felt he was destined to join. “My father was in the department, my mother was in the ladies’ auxiliary,” he said. “So I grew up around it and knew I wanted to be a part of it.” Billy founded the LMFD’s Cadet Program, a youth group that trains and provides mentoring for those who have expressed interest in becoming a firefighter.

Roser is proud of his and his son’s journey within the LMFD. “Following in my father’s footsteps, and then my son’s doing the same thing is heartening to me.” William Roser, Billy, Jr.’s son, has gone on to become a professional firefighter.

“He’s continuing the tradition of helping others,” Billy, Jr. said. “He started in the Cadet Program, went to college and got his degree, became a paramedic and took the civil service test to become a firefighter.”

A challenge the community faced under Roser’s command was the disastrous flood of 2006. “It was something that the department was able to grow from and showed us how to be more prepared for the community,” he said. “It truly showed how great it is to live in a small town and county. We were supported from all ends of Sullivan County.”

It’s that support that makes Roser feel part of something larger than himself. “Being a lifelong resident, I love helping out the community. When people are at their most vulnerable and like down and out, it’s nice to help them. It’s a good feeling.”

Members for seven generations

In 1976, Randy Hoag joined the Livingston Manor Fire Department, following his father and grandfather. Hoag explained that there are five living generations of Hoags currently in the LMFD, but more generations of the family have served. “It goes back seven generations,” he said. “Back to horse-drawn carriages and postcards.” Between his mother’s side and his father’s side of the family, the tradition has carried on for nearly 140 years. The most recent of those seven generations of firefighters, Charlie Hoag, Randy’s son, serves as the current captain of the LMFD.

The elder Hoag’s biggest childhood influences were his father, who was a chief, and grandfather, who was a captain. While reminiscing about his boyhood, Hoag shared an early recollection of seeing his father on duty. “The first time my father had us kids in the car, we pulled up on the scene, and the flames were rolling and he got out,” he said. “When I got home, I was all worried about it. My mother said, ‘Don’t worry, this is what they do every Monday night. This is what they train for. This is getting it in your blood.’ That’s the first time I remember seeing flames in a fire.”

As he discussed his extensive career with the department, Randy paid tribute to those who have helped him along the way. “I was guided by three gentlemen from the Manor Hose Company – Fred Emery, Jr., Jack Sherwood and Allen Clark. When you’re a young boy, they take you under their wing and show you the ropes.”

According to Hoag, when he joined there were 100 firefighters in the company, plus a waiting list to get in. Nowadays, there are 43 active members and eight cadets working at the department. “Volunteerism is something that’s kind of dying out. Everybody looks to the paid fire companies, and we could never afford that around here,” he said. Though volunteers are fewer, Hoag praised the hard work and dedication the LMFD receives from those in the Cadet Program.“They take it to heart, do everything you tell them to do, and try to do more than they’re supposed to.”

From family to friends, there is a sense of unconditional support among those who serve in the Livingston Manor Fire Department. “When you stop and think about it, with the floods, and with events throughout town, when people are in need, everybody is there to help,” said Randy Hoag.