TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – Arlington Fire Department Captain Jeff Pells, retired, was saluted for the last time by hundreds of friends, family, and coworkers on Monday. The 63-year-old Pells passed away on January 23, at Westchester Medical Center, surrounded by his family.
Pells considered being a career firefighter his “dream job.” The well-respected Pells spent years as a volunteer fireman with Arlington before being hired by the district on July 25, 1983.
Pells rose through the ranks of the department and was promoted to lieutenant in 1988. Serving as a lieutenant for 10 years, the Yankees fan was promoted to deputy chief in 1998. A restructuring of ranks by the district eliminated that title and Pells was reclassified as captain in 2011.
Known throughout the community as a family man, Pells remained a captain in the department until he retired in September of 2017.
The captain’s dedication and bravery as a firefighter resulted in him being awarded a Unit Citation for his actions in the line of duty. In total, he was given the award on five different occasions.
Arlington District Chief Bill Steenbergh worked with Pells for several years. “Jeff Pells devoted his life to his community and his family. Whether it was through the fire district, or his activities with coaching and umpiring girls’ softball, he strived to make a positive impact. He left us all too soon, and will be missed,” said the chief.
The Pells family will be setting up a scholarship in the captain’s honor. The scholarship will be awarded to a student entering the Fire and Science program at Dutchess Community College.
