In May of 1974 Michael Bassett added his name to the many generations of the Bassett Family who served the volunteer fire departments in the Tarrytown’s and Briarcliff Manor. In fact, in 1973, even before he was officially sworn in, Mike shadowed his brother Tom while he performed his fire department duties in an old garage behind the Scarborough Presbyterian Church.
Working out of the old garage lasted until November 1974 when the first official Scarborough Engine Firehouse opened, welcoming all the volunteers and a new Mack pumper engine. Gaining respect as a new volunteer and learning from the current Scarborough line and desk officers commanded most of Mike’s attention until he left for college.
After his years at Nichols College in Massachusetts, Mike returned to Briarcliff and served as a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Technician, Driver, and Company Line Officer. He climbed the leadership ladder and eventually was elected as Captain of his Company in 1986. An innovation he was most proud of during that term was securing the approval of the Departmental Fire Council to formalize the BMFD Fire Police making it an integral part of the BMFD.
Mike Bassett is a history junkie. A quick tour of the renovated Scarborough Engine Headquarters at 591 Scarborough Road and the memorabilia that adorns every inch of the wall shows the deep pride that he places on the many years of service by the volunteers, the Company, and the Department. As President of his Company, Mike worked with Pete Rinaldo to compile a history book that covered two decades of service. Pete also authored “A Century of Volunteer Service: Briarcliff Manor Fire Department, 1901-2001” chronicling the history and contributions of the Department over its first hundred years. Both books are in the Library of Congress.
In addition to responding to fire alarms and ambulance calls for help, Mike contributed in many ways to make the BMFD and the Scarborough Engine Company better. He led several members in building (not once, but twice) a BBQ pit behind the firehouse, served as Co-Chairman of the Westchester County Volunteer Firefighter’s Association’s 1997 and 2001 conventions, and was Co-Chairman of the BMFD’s 100th Anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, the tragic events of 9-11 postponed the convention and the BMFD centennial celebration until 2002. He also served as the Company’s Secretary for two terms and as the President and Trustee of the Benevolent Association. One of his most significant accomplishments was to team up with Chief William Ventura and the legal scholars at the Firefighters Association of the State of New York to convince the Village of Briarcliff Manor to lower the active membership age required for service from 18 to 16. This proved to be a major recruiting advantage as now the Department can allow potential volunteers to get an early start on their road to community service, including Mike’s own sons, Michael and Jeffrey.
In addition to all these accomplishments, Michael Bassett treasures responding to the Briarcliff community when they need him the most. He noted the increase in the volume of calls and the complexity of the training that all volunteers face today. But when asked to highlight his 50 plus years of service Mike replied, “It has been an honor to be part of this great organization and to have been able to work with so many wonderful people that have become lifetime friends.” The community responds, “Thank you Mike, it has been our honor as well.”
