2021-2022 NYSAFC Officers Installed

Chief Robert R. Kloepfer Jr. of the Floral Park Fire Department in Nassau County was installed as president of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs during the 115th Annual Conference & FIRE 2021 Expo Installation Ceremony, which was held on July 17, 2021, at the Marriott Syracuse Downtown in Syracuse, NY. He will serve a one-year term leading the statewide not-for-profit organization that represents more than 10,000 career and volunteer fire and emergency medical services personnel of all ranks from across New York state.

President Robert Kloepfer is a 43-year veteran of the Nassau County fire service, both in the New Hyde Park Fire Department and the Floral Park Fire Department where he served as chief of department in 2003 and 2004. His dedication and activity in the fire service, both in Nassau County and New York state, is exhibited by his involvement in many organizations and committees at the local, county, and state level. Kloepfer has served as president of the Floral Park Fire Department Exempt Firemen’s Association for six years and was chairman of the First Battalion Chiefs of the Nassau County Fire Commission in 2016. He served as president of the Nassau County Fire Chiefs Council for two terms and is a past president of the Executive Council of Firematic Organizations of Nassau County. Kloepfer is a life member of NYSAFC who joined the association in 1999 and has served as a member of numerous committees. He was previously a regional representative for Nassau County, sergeant-at-arms, director, and vice president. Kloepfer is a successful businessman and owner of the Walk Street Restaurant in Garden City, NY. The fire service is a family affair to Kloepfer, as his father served as chief of the New Hyde Park Fire Department and he has three future firefighters as grandsons – Jude, Julian, and Noah – who will be following in the family footsteps.

Also, during the ceremony, Chief James R. Comstock (Henrietta Fire District) was sworn in as 1st vice president and Chief R. Scott Ewing (Plattsburgh District #3 Fire Department) was sworn in as 2nd vice president. Both will serve one-year terms.

Chief Kenneth M. Almy (Scotia Fire Department), Chief Dale G. Lingenfelter (Niskayuna Fire District #1), and Chief Richard L. Lyman (White Plains Fire Department) were sworn in as paid directors and will serve three-year terms.

Director Kenneth Almy is newly elected to the board of directors. He has been a member of the Scotia Fire Department for 32 years, serving as fire chief since 2014. Almy began his firefighting career in 1989, was promoted to lieutenant in 2002, and promoted to captain in 2008. He has served as EMS coordinator for the department, as well as municipal training officer. Almy is an active member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Career Fire Chiefs of New York State, Schenectady County Fire Advisory Board, Glenville Town Chiefs, and the New York State Fire Marshals & Inspectors Association. He graduated from the Zone 5 Law Enforcement Academy and was a tech sergeant with the 139th Aeromedical Evacuation Flight, New York Air National Guard. Ken has been married to his wife, Deborah, since 1982. They have a son and a daughter and three grandchildren.

Congratulations to the 2021-2022 officers of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs.