Hauppauge Firefighter Honored for 60 Years of Service

The Hauppauge Fire Department and the community will honor a local firefighter for voluntarily serving the community for 60 years.

Robert Munro, 75, is the first member of to serve for 60 years. He will be honored in a brief ceremony for his years of service and dedication at Hauppauge High School's homecoming on Saturday. 

"The Board of Fire Commissioners, the chiefs and members of the Hauppauge Fire Department salute Robert Munro for his 60 years of service and his families legacy of devotion to the Hauppauge Fire Department and Hauppauge community," reads a statement from the fire department. 

The Munro family has a longstanding tradition of service to the Hauppauge Fire Department. Robert's father, John "Jock" Munro was one of 14 founding members of the Hauppauge Fire Company, after settling in town in 1931.

Robert followed in his father's footsteps, joining the Hauppauge Fire Department with his twin brother, Neil, in 1952. They were only 16 years old at the time, according to a statement from the fire department.

Robert and his wife, Linda Weyant, purchased and moved into a home in Lake Hills, Ronkonkoma in 1961. His change of residence did not alter his dedication to the Hauppauge community.

"Robert, having a strong attachment to the Hauppauge community, continued to serve as a member of the Hauppauge Fire Department [by] staying extremely active in this organization," reads a statement released by the fire department.

Throughout his career, Robert has held various offices and ranks within the department. He has been recognized as Firefighter of the year in 1982 and again in 1993. Robert Munro was  also the longstanding president of the Hauppauge Volunteer Firefighters Benevolent Association. 

Robert retired as a lineman from the Long Island Lighting Company, now LIPA, in 1996. Yet, he has continued to serve with the Hauppauge Fire Department as a fire policeman on the Fire Police Squad.

Robert's son, James Munro, has followed in his footsteps by becoming an active member of the Hauppauge Fire Department, according to the release. His nephews, Scott Munro and Edward Minder, as well as great nephew, Scott Munro Jr., are also volunteers with the fire department.