TAPPAN, NY – The Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan announce the passing of 70 Year Life Member and Ex-Chief Richard Pforte Sr. (1935-2024)

Richard joined the Tappan Fire Department in 1954, making remarkable contributions to both the department and the broader improvement of fire services in Orangetown.

Among his most notable achievements were:
– Serving as a Department Officer from 1960 to 1969.
– Holding the position of Chief of the Department from 1967 to 1969.
– Introducing a fire dispatch system (21-102) to the Town of Orangetown, initially operated by the Orangetown Police Department. This system set the precedent for how fire departments in Orangetown would be dispatched, leading up to the adoption of the current 9-1-1 system, now operated by RCS Radio HQ (44-Control).
– Being the main brain behind the in-house construction of a 1965 Ford equipment vehicle (21-EQ).
– Initiating and serving on our Kitchen Committee for many years.

Wake services were held on Monday, February 5th at Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan from 3pm-9pm, with a firematic service held at 6pm.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 6th at 10 am at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church with burial to follow at Rockland Cemetery.

The Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan extends our sincerest condolences to the Pforte family. Richard was a dedicated member of our department and his absence will be deeply.