RIP Chief Curley, FDNY and Subase Fire Departments

CHIEF ROBERT F. CURLEY

Posted On: Nov 17, 2009 (12:44:02)

Groton - Robert F. Curley, of 1159 Poquonnock Rd., Groton died Sunday at his residence.

He was born in Bronx, N.Y. on June 29, 1927. He married Pauline Dorothy Mayers on Aug. 24, 1948. Mrs. Curley died on Sept. 19, 2009.

Prior to his marriage, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was honorably discharged at the end of World War II.

He became a fire fighter in New York City in January of 1952, and was promoted through the ranks until August of 1976, when he retired as a Deputy Fire Chief from the South Bronx, the busiest fire district in the world.

He went on to perform safety and fire services in Florida, California, West Point and at Subase New London as Chief.

He is survived by his son, Dougls Curley of Groton; his daughter, Nita Curley of Waterford; his sister, Alyce Conners of California; and his brother, James Curley of Florida.

A Memorial Service will be held 7 p.m. on Friday at the Byles-Groton Memorial Home, 310 Thames St., Groton. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Salvation Army, 5 Gov. Winthrop Blvd., New London, CT 06320 or to a fire company of your choice.

Reposted from Theday.com

I have been told he was in charge of the development of the 10 code system FDNY now uses. He was known as the "special call chief", do to not wanting to give up command by calling the next alarm. His name pops up in several books about the bronx durning the 70s. From the firefighters that worked with him, he could tell you what was burning and the location by the color of the smoke. They also say the stories were incredible too. He will be missed by all he had known.