05/30/2026
In Memoriam – Life Member Robert "Bob" Dawson
The members of the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department mourn the passing of Life Member Robert "Bob" Dawson, who passed away on May 28, 2026, at the age of 96.
Bob Joined our department in 1962. Bob served on several committees and assisted his friend Chief George Erwin in technology advancement keeping our department standards current.
Bob was born January 24, 1930 in Albany, NY. In 1948 shortly after graduating high school, he joined the US Navy, and was assigned to the destroyer, USS MASSEY DD778, where he made radarman striker.
Bob was a regular on Friday mornings at Shaker Roads weekly "Old Timers" coffee clutch and one of his favorite stories was from his experiences in the Korean War was the day his ship was "hit by a mine"... Or maybe not!
On June 12th at 0742 hours, USS WALKE suffered an underwater explosion in one of her aft berthing compartments, killing 26 and wounding 42 of her crew. Bob was in the compartment where the explosion occurred. Bob was wounded, but remained with the ship.
The Navy insisted it was a mine, but there was considerable speculation that it was a torpedo from a Russian or Chinese submarine. As their captain said, "If it was a mine, it was a mine making 40 knots." Despite the damage, she was able to make way on one operational propeller and return to Sasebo, Japan, for repairs. She then made it to the Mare Island Naval shipyard for overhaul. That’s a damage control lesson applicable to today’s Navy.
The majority of his working career was with New York Telephone as a Senior Data Communication Consultant, working with New York State, implementing data communication networks for the "new" Enhanced 911 telephone System. This system was state of the art and designed for a faster response to emergencies throughout New York State.
Bob was very active in the Town of Colonie Fire Protection Committee serving as an Operations Deputy Coordinator. He then served on the Town of Colonie Emergency Management Team under his longtime friend past Latham FD Chief Tom Morrison.
Bob's wake is Monday June 1st 4pm-7pm at the Dufresne and Cavanaugh Funeral Home - 149 Old Loudon Rd Latham.
SRLFD FD and Auxiliary are requested to meet at Station-1 by 6pm to pay our respects.
The funeral service will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, 10:30 AM at Calvary United Methodist Church, 15 Ridge Place, Latham. Interment with military honors rendered by the US Navy to immediately follow the funeral service at Memory Gardens.
In Memoriam – Life Member Robert "Bob" Dawson
The members of the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department mourn the passing of Life Member Robert "Bob" Dawson, who passed away on May 28, 2026, at the age of 96.
Bob joined the department in 1962 and dedicated decades of service to the fire service and the Town of Colonie community. Throughout his membership, he served on numerous committees and worked closely with his friend, Chief George Erwin, helping advance department technology and ensuring Shaker Road remained current with evolving standards and practices.
Born on January 24, 1930, in Albany, New York, Bob graduated from high school in 1948 and soon enlisted in the United States Navy. He served aboard the destroyer USS Massey (DD-778), where he became a Radarman Striker. During the Korean War, Bob survived one of the conflict's most notable naval incidents when USS Walke suffered a devastating underwater explosion on June 12, 1951. The blast killed 26 sailors and wounded 42 others, including Bob, who remained with the ship despite his injuries. The cause of the explosion was officially attributed to a mine, though debate continued for years regarding its true origin.
Many of us knew Bob as a regular at the department's Friday morning "Old Timers" coffee gatherings, where he often shared stories from his Navy days. His account of the day his ship was "hit by a mine—or maybe not" was always a favorite.
Professionally, Bob spent most of his career with New York Telephone as a Senior Data Communications Consultant. He played an important role in implementing New York State's Enhanced 911 system, helping establish communications networks that significantly improved emergency response capabilities across the state.
Bob's commitment to public service extended beyond Shaker Road. He served as an Operations Deputy Coordinator for the Town of Colonie Fire Protection Committee and later worked with the Town of Colonie Emergency Management Team under his longtime friend, former Latham Fire Department Chief Tom Morrison.
Bob's wisdom, dedication, and friendship touched generations of firefighters and community members. His contributions to the fire service, emergency management, and public safety will not be forgotten.
Visitation
Monday, June 1, 2026
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home
149 Old Loudon Road, Latham, NY
Members of the Shaker Road-Loudonville Fire Department and Auxiliary are requested to assemble at Station 1 by 6:00 PM to pay their respects.
Funeral Service
Tuesday, June 2, 2026
10:30 AM
Calvary United Methodist Church
15 Ridge Place, Latham, NY
Interment, with military honors rendered by the United States Navy, will immediately follow at Memory Gardens.
Fair winds and following seas, Bob. Thank you for your service, your friendship, and your lifelong dedication to others. Your watch is complete.
