Kenneth Collum, East Hampton Village’s longtime fire marshal, retired on Friday, when he was recognized with a proclamation at the village board’s meeting.
“The Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of East Hampton would like to recognize and honor Kenneth Collum for 30 years of distinctive leadership, sound judgment, and steadfast commitment to the best interests of the village,” the proclamation begins.
Mr. Collum “has devoted more than four decades of service to the East Hampton community through his lifelong dedication to the East Hampton Fire Department, protecting lives and property while serving in numerous leadership roles, including lieutenant and captain of the Hook and Ladder Company as well as second assistant chief and first assistant chief.”
He will be replaced by David Browne, who served as the chief fire marshal for the town until this year.
Mr. Collum, the proclamation reads, “brought his own special brand of holiday spirit to generations of East Hampton children, serving as one of Santa’s most trusted local representatives, making SantaFest a beloved East Hampton Village tradition.”
He also served more than eight years as a Clinton Academy board member and two decades on the East Hampton Historical Society’s board, for which he is now trustee emeritus and “has helped keep historic trades and traditions alive through demonstrations of historical blacksmithing at Mulford Farm and the Parsons Blacksmith Shop, providing residents and visitors with a meaningful connection to East Hampton’s history.”
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Mr. Collum said. “Thirty years goes by in the blink of an eye, and it’s really been an amazing trip.”
“It’s a nice moment when you retire,” said Mayor Jerry Larsen, “but it’s sad to see good people leave the village. So we’re going to miss you, Kenny.”
