A message from NYSPFFA to members: it is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our brother and dear friend, Dennis Sweeney. Brother Sweeney passed this morning in his home with his family at his side. Brother Sweeney spent his life working with and helping countless firefighters across the state and beyond. He will be sorely missed. He was 74.
Brother Sweeney was a career firefighter with Local 709 in Elmira. He represented IAFF as a 1st District health and safety representative. Among his many accomplishments and fire service positions, Dennis served as a NYSPFFA 4th district vice president and a 4th District health and safety representative. For the past 16 years he was NYSPFFA’s health and safety coordinator.
Brother Sweeney earned an associate degree in business administration from Corning Community College, a bachelor’s in history from Elmira College and a master’s in education from Elmira College.
Brother Sweeney's wife, Bonnie, has informed us that there will be a Celebration of Life next week. As soon as the information becomes available we will post it on our website, until then please keep Brother Sweeney and his family in your thoughts and prayers.