Ulster Hose would like to thank Chief Shawn Heppner and Assistant Chief John Kelly on their many years of service as officers for the company. Both gentlemen decided not to seek re-election in this year’s cycle. Their dedication, contributions, and knowledge have positively impacted and benefitted the many members of UHFD and residents of the Town of Ulster and beyond.
Chief Heppner joined the department on October 13, 1997. With firefighting in the family (his father, Fred, currently serves as President of the company), Chief Heppner quickly rose through the ranks, from lieutenant to captain to assistant chief. He took over as chief of department on January 1, 2016 and oversaw rapid expansion, acquisition of numerous pieces of apparatus, securing of funds through grants for new and modern equipment, and plenty of hands-on trainings. In 2022, Chief Heppner reached life membership within the department. He will continue to serve the department and the community as an active member, and his experience and insight will help educate firefighters for years to come.
Assistant Chief Kelly joined the department on October 9, 1995. For 20 years, he has served as an assistant chief, taking the reins on community events and the firehouse kitchen. Not one to say no, Chief Kelly has been a constant through years of newcomers to the fire service and will drop everything for those in need. With his signature decal on the rear window of his command vehicle, Chief Kelly has been in the right place at the right time on multiple occasions, helping to quite literally save the lives of many throughout his years of service. His influence goes beyond general membership; his son, Justin, currently serves as a lieutenant in the company. In 2020, Chief Kelly reached life membership within the department. He will continue to serve the department and community as an active member, and continue cooking up fantastic grub for the members and others alike.
Ulster Hose would not be where it stands today without the countless hours that these two have volunteered and spent driving this department to be its best.