Kent Robinson began employment as a Village Fire Driver on June 18th, 1971. At that time his fellow drivers were Leo Maple, Harrison Kent, and Francis Seymour. Kent replaced a driver named Walt Stahl. Since that time 28 other Drivers, 12 Fire Chiefs, 17 Village Managers, and 4 Dalmatians have come and gone. Kent became the Head Fire Driver over 25 Years ago when Francis Seymour retired in 1985. Kent will retire from paid service following his shift ending on the morning of March 30th.

In retirement Kent states he plans on actively volunteering with the SLVFD, and running his personal business "Tri-Lakes Fire and Safety" which he started in 1973. Kent will spend his time with Peg and his kittys Louie, Natalie, and Lizzie.

In 1981 Kent along with SLVFD member Kevin Tuthill were recognized as the Northern NY Volunteer Firefighters Association's "Fireman of the Year" for heroic action taken during the Berkley Hotel Fire. Upon arrival at the fire, Kent and Kevin in full turn out gear and air packs laddered a third story window, gathered 7 people trapped upstairs and guided them to a room where they were able to survive by sealing the door cracks and openings with blankets, blocking the smoke until all could be rescued from the outside by the 75 foot snorkel. This incident was the first time that this award was given to a team of two firefighters and not an individual firefighter. Kent laughs at recalling that there was discussion of him getting a disciplinary write up for leaving his truck, instead he would be named firefighter of the year. As an interesting side note every vehicle in service with the Saranac Lake Fire Department has been replaced during his career "most multiple times" except that 75 foot snorkel which was built in 1969 and is still in service today.

Kent recalls the first fire that he ever responded to was an oven fire in an apartment over Marks bar on Broadway and although he worked multiple fires, the first time he would ever be the first responding driver to a major structure fire would not come until he had 3 years on the job when Marty's grocery burned. Marty's grocery was located on Lake Flower Avenue near the bottom of Shepard Avenue where the new deli has recently been built. At that time Lake Flower Avenue was only a two lane road and the village beach was located across the street. When asked about big fires Kent states there are too many to recall, but, at the tip of his tongue was the Pontiac Theatre, Newman and Holmes, The Berkley Hotel, Marty's, The Store, The Great American Garage Sale "GAG's", and the upper floors of the Santanoni. Kent recalls driving the Snorkel all the way to Ausable Forks many years ago on mutual aid to a full block fire.

Kent was one of the very first EMT's to be certified in the department. When asked about his accomplishments and what has improved during his tenure, he lists consolidating air packs to all one type. We used to have multiple brands and systems, consolidating allowed standardized training and firefighters only had to learn how to use one type of air pack. Kent was the first member to travel to the Fire Academy in Montour Falls to become certified in repairing the old Scott IIa air packs which have since been replaced by upgraded models. There have been improvements to what was a two telephone system. Dispatch used to consist of only an old red phone, black phone, and a basic radio system. The radio system has been continually upgraded; his tenure saw the addition of multi-channel base station which gives us the capability to communicate in all three counties, and the addition of high band frequencies that help reduce dead spots in our mountainous terrain. High band also increases the effective range of portable handheld radios. A generator has been added to the firehouse which allows the department to maintain emergency operations during power failures. There have been many other improvements; these are just a few, but they are examples of improvements that Kent has been directly involved with.

Kent's hobbies include boating and horseback riding. Kent developed his love of boats in the Finger Lakes, his Mom was from Penn Yan and Kent spent a lot of time there. Kent's family also had horses.

Kent states he loves the camaraderie within the department and leaves us with the following advice: Keep up the hard work and service to the community!!!

Around the station we have known Kent as "Kentsy" or "Chummy" and we will fondly recall his rolling of eyes and distinct "hehe" laugh. We at the SLVFD would like to wish our friend and colleague the very best in his retirement. Well Done, thank you for your service to our community!!!