The New York State Honorary Fire Chiefs Association was founded in 1950. Our Mission Statement is to provide financial assistance for educational purposes to New York State career firefighters and their families. We also present several NYSHFCA Medals of Valor and maintain firefighter memorials.
The organization has had a wide range of members including politicians, sports figures, celebrities, and many CEO’s.
Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra with his parents, Frank and Dolly. His father is wearing his uniform as a captain in the Hoboken Fire Department.
Chief Sinatra was sworn in as a NYSHFCA Chief in 1968
Pope John Paul II
On February 12, 1982, his holiness Pope John Paul II was made an Honorary New York State Fire Chief by Frank Allen, President
of the Association.
The Honorary Fire Chiefs Helmet was presented to the Pope in Rome by Bishop Lorenzo de Valisch on behalf of Mr. Allen.
letterhead from
An early letterhead from the organization. Note the extraordinary list of Honorary Chiefs. Click the image for full size