PORT JERVIS, NY – Fifty-five-year firefighter Gene Hughes was born and raised in Port Jervis and is proud to have served for all of these decades with PJFD and as a member of Maghogomock Hook & Ladder Company. 

Hughes was born in Port Jervis on May 5, 1953, graduated from PJHS in 1971, and retired as a lieutenant from NYS Department of Corrections after 26-years. He joined Maghogomock Hook and Ladder at age 18, on September 7, 1971. This was the company his friend and fellow firefighter Bill Haggerty was in, and his own choice for membership as well.

While he has served with many firefighters over the years, Joe Kowal, Sr. is the only really active firefighter that Hughes began with when he joined his company 55-years ago this year. 

After all of these decades, Hughes is now the fourth oldest living member of Hooks. He has always been active in helping his company and the department, other than while he and his wife of 51-years,  Fran, moved out of the area to care for Fran’s mother from 2005 to 2022.  The couple returned in 2022, and while they now live in neighboring Matamoras, Gene says he has always been proud to say he is from Port Jervis and will always consider Port Jervis his home.

Having held company positions as captain, 1^st and 2^nd lieutenant, president, vice-president, trustee, secretary, treasurer, and custodian in past years, Hughes is no longer able to respond as an active firefighter due to some health issues of himself and his wife. However, upon returning to the area in 2022 Hughes immediately resumed assisting the department and his community. He plans to remain active in both as long as his health allows him to.

“I have enjoyed every minute as a member of PJFD, and it has certainly made me a better person. I think giving back to the community has so many rewards,” Hughes said.

Hughes was not the first in his family to serve as a firefighter. His uncles, Vernon and Vincent Kalin, were both members of Excelsior Engine Co. #5. He encourages anyone wishing to become a volunteer firefighter to do so, but not only because they have family or friends in the department. He said they should be willing and ready to commit to do the job, and join for the right reasons.

Over the years, Hughes recalls many responses as a firefighter. These include some very tough ones, and sadly some of the most memorable ones involving someone who died.   

“The toughest fire would have to have been the Hungry Elephant,” Hughes recalled. “During this fire, Chris DeVries and I were trapped on the second floor. At the time we were not wearing air packs, and things got really hairy. We managed to get some air in an open window at the top of the stairs, and ran out.”

Hughes recalls being captain of Hooks during the Flood of 1981, and a memorable incident at a fire in the acre.

“Joe Kowal and I went through the front door of the house in the acre and ended up in the basement as the floor had burnt out,” he recalled. “I have learned the importance of having each other’s back, and that every fire has to be evaluated and treated with respect.”

He chuckled in recalling the old saying that only fools rush in. 

Hughes would like to see PJFD continue as an all-volunteer department but feels the reality in today’s world is that this is not practical. 

“I believe it will become necessary to move in the direction of a partially paid department,” he predicted. “I believe this is going to be the only way to ensure the men and equipment are available to give the city the coverage it needs to be safe.”

What will Hughes be thinking of during Parade Day 2026?

“I will be thinking of what an honor it will be, and I will have my family, especially my great grandchildren there and it will be an honor and privilege to ride past them and hear them yelling at me,” Hughes said. “They have already made up posters to hold up as I pass by.”

Hughes will be watching for his wife Fran on the parade route, as well as his two stepsons Tabb and wife Cathy, Duane and wife Penny, four grandchildren Darryl and wife Amber, Turner and companion Channah, Kayla and husband Lido, Kelsey and husband Tyler, and his three great grandchildren Alessia, Lido, and Mara.

“I believe my family have all been pleased about my active years. They have always been supportive and Fran has never had an issue with all of the events we had planned that went by the wayside because of fires,” Hughes said.

He said his great granddaughter Alessia and great grandson Lido have made posters, and he believes they are as excited as he is for this day.

“I can only say what an honor it is to be asked to be the Grand Marshal and it’s something I will never forget.”