Firefighter George W. Dove

Skaneateles Fire Department

Date of Death: July 12, 1965

George W. Dove, 57, a native of the Town of Sennett and a 30‑year resident of Skaneateles, joined the Skaneateles Fire Department on September 2, 1947. For 18 years, he faithfully served his community as a member of the department’s Hook & Ladder Company, remaining active until his untimely line‑of‑duty death on July 12, 1965. While working as caretaker of Lakeview Cemetery that day, Firefighter Dove and his crew discovered a brush fire rapidly spreading across the grounds. The Skaneateles Fire Department responded at 14:30 hours with Emergency, Hose #1, and the Tanker under the direction of 1st Assistant Chief Carl Wellman. Twenty‑five firefighters, including Firefighter Dove, deployed 400 feet of 1½‑inch booster line to battle the blaze. While engaged in extinguishing the fast‑moving grass fire, Firefighter Dove suffered a fatal heart attack. Dr. Albert B. Smith responded to the scene and confirmed his passing.