Skip to main content

Well respected firefighter and community leader passes

By Howard B. Owens

Genesee County's firefighting community lost one of its highly regarded members early Wednesday when William Dix passed away while in his office at Jay E. Potter Lumber on Maple Avenue in Corfu.

Dix, a deputy fire coordinator with Genesee County Emergency Services for 22 years, was in his fifties.

In a statement, Emergency Management Coordinator Tim Yaeger said, "DFC Bill Dix will be deeply missed by his family and his fire service family, his dedication to his business and the fire service was never ending. Bill was always there when you needed anything, including a friendly smile and a handshake."

Dix was found dead early Wednesday morning after family members became concerned that he hadn't returned home from the office. His death is not considered suspicious. The cause of death is pending an examination by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Besides his duties as a deputy fire coordinator,  Dix was also the past chief of the East Pembroke Fire Department and most recently a commissioner with the East Pembroke Fire District. The East Pembroke resident logged more than 40 years in the fire service.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Melissa Barone

I will always remember Bill as a person who always had a smile on his face and not a bad thing to say about anyone. He was very much a family man. It's so sad to see a great respectable man taken away. He will be very missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family during their difficult loss.

Aug 19, 2010, 8:21am Permalink
Dave Olsen

Both Bill and his dad Bob who passed away last month, were 2 of the nicest men you ever wanted to meet. Bill was obviously dedicated to the volunteer fire service and truly did it only to help his neighbors. My thoughts and prayers are with Bill's family as well. He will be well remembered.

Aug 19, 2010, 6:10pm Permalink

Authentically Local