Kingston Professional Firefighters Association, IAFF Local 461

11/03/2026

In Memoriam: Deputy Chief (ret.) Ernest C. Renn, Jr., Badge 170

It is with heavy hearts that the Kingston Professional Firefighters Association announces the passing of our brother, Deputy Chief (ret.) Ernest C. Renn, Jr., known to all of us as Ernie, who passed away on October 30th.

Ernie gave more than three decades of dedicated service to this department and the community it protects. His career reflects a steady climb through the ranks and a lifetime of commitment:

Jan. 9, 1971: Appointed Fireman
Jan. 11, 1978: Appointed Lieutenant
May 2, 1978: Appointed Assistant Fire Prevention Officer
Dec. 13, 1982: Appointed Captain
Dec. 13, 1982: Appointed Fire Prevention Officer
Apr. 12, 1986: Appointed Deputy Chief
July 17, 2004: Retired

At the time of his retirement, Ernie served as the Deputy Chief of Platoon 2. But his service to this membership reached far beyond the firehouse. He served our union as both Vice-President and President, and his leadership left a mark that stretches across the entire state.

He was Union President during the landmark Renn v. Kimbark case, when Local 461 filed suit challenging the distribution of the 2% Foreign Insurance Fund. In 1980, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled that Local 461 was entitled to a share. In 1985, both parties returned to court over how to divide the funds. Those decisions are still talked about today. They helped establish the financial rights of professional firefighter Locals throughout New York State, directing those monies to the Locals themselves.

Because of Ernie, firefighter Locals that never knew him are better off. That is a legacy few can claim.

He also passed the calling on to his own family. Ernie was the proud father of retired firefighters Ernest Renn III and Brian Renn, both of whom served this department.

He served with honor, and he leaves behind a legacy of leadership, courage, and conviction that endures in every member of this union and far beyond it.

On behalf of the entire membership, we extend our deepest condolences to the Renn family during this difficult time.

Funeral and service details are not yet available. We will share those arrangements with the membership as soon as we receive them.

Until then, we ask that you keep the Renn family in your thoughts and prayers.

Rest easy Dep. We have the watch from here.

10/26/2026

Members of the Kingston Professional Firefighters recently conducted technical rope rescue training at Hasbrouck Park in Kingston, focusing on the setup and operation of a deflection line rope system.

A deflection line is a specialized rope rescue technique that allows rescuers to maneuver personnel and rescue equipment away from steep rock faces and other obstacles. This technique can be particularly useful during high-angle rescue operations in difficult terrain.

Hands-on training provides our members with the opportunity to practice these specialized techniques, strengthen their skills, and maintain readiness for technical rescue emergencies.

10/09/2026

🚒👕 Come See Us at the Italian Festival! 🇮🇹

The Kingston Professional Firefighters will be selling shirts at the Italian Festival on the Strand this Sunday starting at 11:00 AM!

Stop by, pick up some Kingston Professional Firefighters gear, and show your support for your local firefighters! ❤️💙

We look forward to seeing everyone there!

10/05/2026

10/03/2026

🍽️ Thank You! 🚒

The Kingston Fire Department extends its heartfelt thanks to American Legion Post 150 for providing dinner for all of our on-duty firefighters tonight.

Your generosity and support mean so much to the men and women working to keep our community safe. We truly appreciate you thinking of our firefighters and making sure they enjoyed a delicious meal while serving the City of Kingston.

Thank you for supporting your Kingston firefighters! ❤️🚒

10/03/2026

Did you know your Kingston Professional Firefighters maintain Firemen’s Park on Washington Avenue?

For decades, generations of active and retired Kingston Firefighters have volunteered their time and effort to care for the park and keep it in pristine condition for our community.

Firemen’s Park is more than just a piece of property, it’s part of our department’s history and a tradition that continues to be carried on by Kingston firefighters today.

10/01/2026

🔥 Serving Our Community Beyond the Firehouse! ❤️

The Kingston Professional Firefighters were proud to donate their time to our community by cooking and serving at the Senior Brunch at the Midtown Center.

It’s always an honor to spend time with the members of our community and give back to those who have supported Kingston throughout the years.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the brunch a success. We’re proud to serve our community—not just on emergency calls, but whenever we can lend a helping hand.

Kingston Professional Firefighters — Proud to Serve! 🚒👨‍🚒❤️

09/16/2026

We would like to congratulate Firefighter Colin Lyons on his promotion to Lieutenant!

Lieutenant Lyons began his career with the Kingston Fire Department on February 24, 2020, when he was assigned to Platoon 2 at Central Station. After completing the New York State Fire Academy in October 2020, he returned to Platoon 2, where he has remained throughout his career. Most recently, he has been assigned as the driver of Engine 2.

Lieutenant Lyons’ platoon and station assignment have yet to be determined.

In addition to his fire service, Lieutenant Lyons serves as President of the Kingston Professional Firefighters Association.

Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Lyons on his well-earned promotion and wishing him success in his new role!

09/14/2026

09/09/2026

Today members of the KPFFA took some time to prepare Fireman's Park for the upcoming 9/11 Memorial Ceremony on Friday morning.

We would like to give a special thank you to Denter Sand and Gravel for the donation of multiple yards of mulch to assist with final preparations to the park.

All members of the community are invited to Fireman's Park on Friday morning at 8:30 for the KPFFA, Kingston Fire Department, and City of Kingston joint 9/11 Memorial Ceremony.

New York State Professional Firefighters Association - NYSPFFA International Association of Fire Fighters