The Centerport Fire Department mourned the loss of ex-Captain Bruce Jennings, 84, who answered his last alarm on August 3, 2020.
Jennings joined the department in 1962 and was assigned to the Eagle Truck Company, soon becoming a dedicated member of the Centerport Rescue Squad. He was a pioneer in EMS, having been one of the first EMTs and AEMTs in Suffolk County. Jennings advanced through the officer’s ranks, serving as Lieutenant and Captain of the Rescue Squad for 10 years, Lieutenant of the Hose Company for two years and Captain of the Fire Police for five years. In 1996 he received the Rescue Man of the Year Award, was named Honorary Chief for 40 years of service in 2002, and became a Life Member with 46 years of service in 2008.
Jennings was a proud U.S. Air Force veteran serving six years, and was stationed in Dover, Delaware. After leaving the military in 1964, Jennings worked as an optician in Glen Cove for nearly 40 years.
Jennings is survived by his loving wife Alice, and children Bruce Jr., Patricia Pansini and her husband Joseph (ex-Chief Northport FD) and the late Daniel. He was also the cherished grandfather of Julianne, Emily and Joseph.
Visitation was held at the Nolan Funeral Home in Northport with funeral services at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church in Centerport. Interment followed at Northport Rural Cemetery.
– Fire News story and photos by Steve Silverman and Debbie Thide
