IAFF District Vice President Emeritus Dies

January 26, 2009 – The IAFF is sad to report the passing of IAFF 1st District Emeritus Vice President James King. King, 93, died January 25, 2009.

Fellow fire fighters, family and friends may attend the viewing at the New Hyde Park Funeral Home located at 506 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, New York 11040 on Wednesday, January 28, and Thursday, January 29. Viewing times are 2:00–4:30 p.m. and 7:00–9:30 p.m. on both days.

The memorial service will be held at Christ Church of Oyster Bay on 61 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York, 11771. Services will begin Friday, January 30, at 11:00 a.m.

King joined the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) in 1939 and remained active until 1969, serving in fire companies in Queens and Manhattan.

As a dedicated fire fighter, King held two positions within the Uniformed Firefighter Association (UFA) Local 94. He was elected treasurer in 1951 and Vice President in 1957. He served as IAFF 1st District Vice President from 1957 until 1969 when he resigned. King continued to serve as an IAFF staff representative until he retired in 1981.

During his remaining years, he served as vice president and president of the FDNY St. George Association and president of the FDNY Retired Members Association. He also held memberships in the Veteran Firefighters Association, Emerald Society, Fire Bell Club and New York State Fire Chief’s Association.

King is survived by his lifelong partner, Elsie “Linda” Bergo, and his daughter, Cathy, and her husband Joseph Schreck.