Kevin E. Townes Sr.

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Kevin E. Townes Sr.

Kevin Edward Townes Sr. looked toward a city with eternal foundations‚ a city designed and built by God‚ and he departed this life in honor and bravery doing as God purposed for him from the beginning of time on December 8‚ 2011.

Kevin was born March 30‚ 1957‚ to Sylvia Isabelle Townes in White Plains. In addition to the love and care of his mother‚ Kevin experienced the rich and affectionate meaning of ‘a village to raise a child‚’ with loving instruction and support from his great-grandmother‚ Idell ‘Mother’ Johnson; grandmother‚ Louise ‘Granny’ Townes; aunts Virginia Cooke and Louise ‘Chippy’ Johnson; and uncle Leonard Townes. Their influence helped to cultivate Kevin’s life and values.

Kevin was educated by White Plains City School District. He served in the United States Marine Corps‚ receiving an honorable discharge in 1980. He was employed by General Motors before joining the City of Mount Vernon Fire Department in September 1986. He faithfully served the City of Mount Vernon doing what he loved and respected until his final call to duty on his heavenly departure.

Kevin began his Christian walk as a practicing Catholic‚ serving as an altar boy in his younger years. In 1995‚ Kevin met Patricia A. Way‚ and they were married on June 28‚ 1997. In 1997‚ he joined Calvary Baptist Church‚ where he was baptized and served as an usher. In 2004‚ he and his family relocated to Dutchess County. Kevin joined Beulah Baptist Church‚ under the leadership of Rev. Jesse V. Bottoms Jr.‚ where he studied and discovered his God-given purpose. He was a member of the Fine Gold Men’s Ministry and Leadership Ministry of 40-Days of Purpose Christian Education. He loved God‚ family‚ and the Gospel.

Kevin loved people. He never met a stranger‚ because he would always make friends with everyone he’d come in contact with. He would make you love him. An avid sports enthusiast‚ he coached for Town of LaGrange Softball/Baseball League‚ Town of LaGrange Girls’ Basketball League‚ and Pop Warner – Hudson Valley Knights Football. He had a heart and passion for children‚ as they did for him. All he wanted was for them to learn proper skills and fundamentals‚ do their best‚ be their best‚ and have fun. Also‚ a win would be nice. He was often thought of as ‘The Gentle Giant’ or ‘The Big Teddy Bear.’

He leaves to mourn and cherish a host of great memories‚ his wife‚ Patricia Way-Townes; son Kevin Jr; daughters Jazmin‚ Blair‚ Rebecca‚ and LaToya; mother‚ Sylvia I. Townes; in-laws Rev. C.J. Way and wife Emma; brother-in-law Charles (Renee) Way; and many relatives‚ friends and colleagues.

He will be greatly missed. He touched so many in such a magnificent and extraordinary way.

Dennis Mullins Jr.

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Firefighter Dennis J Mullins, a 34-year veteran, and highly decorated firefighter in Mount Vernon, NY, made the ultimate sacrifice in 1995. Working an active fire in January 1994 he collapsed of a heart attack while pulling a line to a hydrant. He never regained consciousness, remaining in a vegetative state for 371 days, and succumbed to his injuries on January 18, 1995. He was just 59 years old.

Firefighter Mullins is the only firefighter in the history of the Department to receive the Medal of Valor, the City’s highest award. This award was presented on Memorial Day 1978 for his unselfish and heroic act of saving a fellow firefighter from certain death while battling a multi-alarm blaze in 1977.

Mullins was ventilating a roof with Firefighter Norman when it gave way. Mullins dove and caught Firefighter Norman as he was falling through the roof. He then pulled Norman out of the hole just before the roof collapsed. Norman had caught fire and was badly burned on most of his lower body. Firefighter Norman survived his injuries and credited Mullins with saving his life.

Dennis has been honored at the National Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Emmitsburg, MD, the IAFF Memorial in Colorado Springs, and the Westchester County Fire Training Center in Elmsford, NY. A plaque is also displayed at the Mount Vernon Fire Department headquarters in honor of his sacrifice.
Dennis was also proud Korean Wartime Veteran serving in the 82nd and 101st Airborne. He was laid to rest at Calverton National Cemetery in NY.

At the time of his death, Dennis was survived by his wife of 35 years Marilyn, two daughters Susan and Diane, son Thomas, and four grandchildren.

In this post 9/11 world we live in, it is often easy to forget those who unselfishly protect us each day. In honor of all the fallen, next time you see one of this Country’s “Bravest” remember the sacrifices they make every day and let them know they are appreciated by just saying Thank You.