Lumberland Engine 21-11 is parked under a flag draped from a Monticello hook-and-ladder truck at an event where firefighters gathered with family and friends to honor Roger Bisland of Glen Spey.

RR photo by Susan Waligunda Wade

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GLEN SPEY, NY — The Sullivan County 911 control center toned out, and then there was silence. This, known as the last call, was followed by the fire whistle from the Lumberland Fire Department; it pierced the quiet as the sound wafted through the trees. Next was a bagpipe rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

These sounds descended upon the family and friends of Roger E. Bisland, who was laid to rest at the Glen Spey Cemetery on September 17.

It was a fitting memorial to a man who devoted his life to his community, and not solely through service to the fire department and EMS. His extensive portfolio also includes—but is not limited to—service as town supervisor; 22 years in the Monticello Police Department, 11 as chief; 30 years of service in the Lumberland Lions, and he served as president for many of those years. He was a major force behind the Community Club, which when in operation provided, among other services, a Christmas present to every child in the Town of Lumberland; a member of the original Lumberland Planning Board; the sponsor of countless fundraising efforts, not only financially but with sleeves rolled up; the head of the Lumberland Cemetery Board and agent of choice for many in the community through the Bisland Insurance Agency in Glen Spey.

In April 2021, he was honored by a “drive-by” salute of state, county and local law enforcement, fire departments, EMS and local citizens. With lights flashing, sirens blaring and horns honking, each participant was honored to be able to recognize this humble man to whom so many owed so much.

At the viewing held at the Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home in Port Jervis the prior day, firematic services were held to honor this brother in service. The department had brought Roger’s favorite fire truck, engine 21-11, also known as the first-due, the first out of the firehouse when responding to a call. Members of the department waited outside the funeral home and looked over the truck, reverently touching the various dings and knocks that the truck bore. They reminisced that some of those dings had come from Roger, a testimony to how many calls Roger had responded to during his almost 60 years of service to the department. Roger had been instrumental in procuring that engine for the department.

One of the traditions of a firematic service is the roll call. The department president, Anne Steimle, asked “Mr. Secretary, has the roll been called?” Secretary Terry Knibbs responded, “All are present but one—Roger Bisland.”  

Services were held at the Pond Eddy Methodist Church, with Rev. Nancy Vonderhorst officiating. At the overflow gathering, Roger’s life of service to his community and the legacy of unselfish living he and his wife, Kathy, together modeled was lauded. Roger’s inestimable gift and consistent lesson of character was emphasized by family and colleagues alike. Declan Carroll, who like Roger ran an insurance agency founded by his father, said that Roger’s commitment to integrity in his business dealings set the bar for the industry locally. Family members reiterated this theme and noted, too, his trademark sense of humor. The hearse was followed by a procession of fire apparatuses from 17 fire companies.

Following the committal service at the cemetery, a repast was held at the Lumberland firehouse, the doors of which bore purple and black bunting. There, one final ceremonial act occurred—the bell outside of the building was rung five times… End of Watch.