West Hamilton Volleys Get Life-Saving Equipment

Local Attorney Donates Suction Units in Memory of Kevin Delano

By Patricia Adams

Friends, family, elected officials and members of the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Corps gathered at the firehouse on Wednesday afternoon for a special dedication. Just over a year ago to the date, one of the department’s “favorite sons”, Kevin Delano, passed away after a lengthy battle with leukemia. The career Delano was so devoted to began in 1971, as soon as he was eligible to join the West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department and over the years, he worked his way up to be named chief of the department.

“After Kevin died,” said local attorney Marge Centrone, “I thought that somehow his name should forever be associated with the department he loved so much.” To that end, Centrone donated the money for the purchase of two suction units to be place aboard the departments rescue vehicles.

A plaque with Delano’s name is mounted to the portable life-saving units that will be used to remove blockages from airways of emergency patients. “These units would really make Kevin happy,” said former department Chief Jonah Cohen. “It’s very fitting that they should bear his name and that such a great friend of the department, Marge Centrone, is responsible for this.”

Among others who praised Delano for his work and commitment, as well as thanking Centrone for her generous donation were state Senator Joe Addabbo, Assemblymember Audrey Pheffer and WHVFAC Chief Bruce Stock.

Roseann Delano attended the ceremony honoring her husband with son Kevin Jr.