Chief Neil McNeight, a beloved 60-year member of NYSAFC who led the association as president from 1991-1992, passed away on December 7, 2019.
McNeight joined the Fredonia Fire Department – D.R. Barker Hose Co. #1 in 1955. He advanced through the ranks, serving as lieutenant, captain, 2nd assistant chief, 1st assistant chief, and then chief of department for two years. McNeight later served as president and trustee for the Barker Hose Co.
An important figure in the Chautauqua County fire service, McNeight served as county fire coordinator/emergency manager from 1986-2001. He had previously served as the county deputy fire coordinator (training) for 19 years, was a member of the Chautauqua County Fire Advisory Board for 15 years, and was instrumental in development of the county's enhanced 911 system.
McNeight sat on the New York State Fire Advisory Board and New York State Emergency Services Loan Board for four-year terms. He was also a member of numerous firematic organizations, including the Chautauqua County Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Fire Chiefs Eastern Division, Canadian Fire Chiefs Association, National Fire Protection Association, County Fire Coordinators' Association of the State of New York, New York State Emergency Management Association, and Western Region Emergency Managers Association.
Upon joining NYSAFC in 1959, McNeight served on a number of committees over the years, including the Annual Conference, Public Relations, Nominations & Elections, and Constitution & By-Laws committees. He was also a member of the Building Committee that oversaw construction of NYSAFC headquarters, which opened in 1984. McNeight served on the board of directors for a decade before his presidency. His knowledge of the association's history was immense, and he was actively involved in NYSAFC's 100th anniversary celebration in 2004. McNeight's musical performances during the NYSAFC Annual Conference are legendary.
Prior to joining the fire service, McNeight served for four years as staff sergeant in the United States Air Force 4th Weather Squadron, in addition to four years in the Air Force Reserve.
Our condolences to Neil's wife, Shirlie, a longtime Annual Conference volunteer, the McNeight family, and the Chautauqua County fire service. We salute Neil McNeight for his decades of dedicated service to NYSAFC.
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs