Bayport Fire Department Unveils Enhanced Street Signs in Honor of Fallen Firefighters

Bayport Fire Department recently revamped the street signs they had dedicated in the memory of Joseph "Scotty" Farrell and Glenn Wilkinson, two firefighters who died in the line of duty.

Since 1891, the Bayport Fire Department has lost only one member in active duty. Farrell suffered a heart attack and died while operating at an apartment complex fire in 1991.

Wilkinson (LT, Eng 238 FDNY) was not yet a member of Bayport Fire Department when he was killed in the line of duty on Sept. 11, 2001. Lt. Wilkinson was a Bayport resident who was just about to join the department. 

Both Farrell and Lt. Wilkinson have been made Honorary Members of the department.

Though Railroad Avenue was previously renamed Lt. Glenn Wilkinson Street and Homan Avenue was renamed to Joseph "Scotty" Farrell Street, the signs, now enhanced, are attached to lamp posts, said Bayport's Chief Glen Baillargeon.

The signs are located at two street intersections by the department, with Wilkinson's sign on the corner of Snedecor and Railroad avenues and both Farrell and Wilkison signs located at Railroad and Homan avenues.

"The signs are now reflective with the American flag in background," Baillargeon said. "We made them reflective so the firefighters names would always be lit up and never be in the dark."

Businesses in the surrounding area donated electrical and masonry supplies for the project.

"Our membership did all the work," Baillargeon said, "It was a complete community effort to get this done."

The department raised money for the project by participating in a 5k run held nearby last year. This fall, Bayport Fire Department plans to hold their own 5k run, scheduled for Sept. 18.