Vista Fire Department Honored Former Chief Haviland
Photo by Courtesy of Vista Fire Department
South Salem, N.Y. — September 6 — The Vista Fire Department honored former Chief Raymond Haviland, who passed away on September 6, 2026, at the age of 88. Haviland led the department as its chief from 1988 to 1991 and remained a significant figure in its history and leadership.
Haviland was a long-time resident of Amenia and had also served as a commissioner for the Vista Fire Department.
He was born on December 13, 1937, in Stamford, Connecticut, and worked as a plant maintenance supervisor at St.Joseph’s Hospital in Stamford.
His tenure as chief took place during a time when volunteer fire departments depended on trained individuals to offer fire protection, emergency assistance, and community support.
The Vista Fire Department maintained this volunteer tradition, operating from its station located on Smith Ridge Road in South Salem.
The department shared the news of Haviland’s passing on September 10 and acknowledged his many years of service and leadership.
The announcement highlighted how his contributions helped uphold the department’s dedication to serving the Vista community.
For those in the fire service, his passing represents the loss of a former leader whose long record of volunteer service continues to be a part of the Vista Fire Department’s legacy.
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