Greenport’s Fred Rempe, Jr.

Frederick Joseph ‘Chief’Remke dedicated his life to the cause of firefighters as a 41-year instructor and safety officer at the Suffolk County Fire Academy.

Fred was born on February 1, 1952, in Greenport. Fred and his wife of 48 years, Corrine, have two children, Kim and Fred, daughter in law Michelle, and four grandchildren Jon, Jeremy, Corlynn and Jase. Fred also has two siblings, Gary and Rick.

While in his senior year, Fred became a member of Greenport Fire Department’s Relief Hose. He then transferred to Standard Hose and at a very young age proceeded to become the youngest chief in the history of Greenport Fire Department. While Fred was in the chief’s line, he encountered some of the worst fires in Greenport’s history; the Mitchell’s Restaurant, Main Street Stores and the fire on Carpenter Street that took the lives of members Richie Such and Bruce Bellfountain.

Fred was also a member of Greenport Fire Department’s race team, and spent many years reflecting back on the good times they had under the tutelage of the infamous Joe Fig.

Fred was elected to The Suffolk County Chief’s Association, and was also was a member of both Cutchogue and Mattituck departments. Upon returning to Greenport, he joined Standard Hose and remained a member until this present day.

As mentioned earlier, Fred joined Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank 41 years ago. Many, many fire fighters have commented on how Fred helped them out along the way. If Fred knew you were serious and not just trying to be a token member, he would make a dedicated effort to get you through, teaching, advising, providing test tips or whatever.

Acouple of other personal notes about Fred. Despite being patient with developing firefighters, his general patience was not the best. He absolutely hated strawberries, wine and pumpkins. He would bitch continuously about the traffic during pumpkin picking season. In fact, he would leave Yaphank on a Saturday or Sunday and drive to the south side so he could avoid the traffic and take the ferries across Shelter Island to Greenport. Also, if you’ve ever driven through the village on a weekend in the summer with Fred, you were in for an experience. By the second crosswalk his blood pressure would rise 30 points. He had some select language to call the would-be pedestrians.

To quote Fred, “It’s frigging stupid that I got to stop a 3500-pound car so a 100-pound tourist can dawdle across the street staring at their cell phone.”

Despite his sometimes frustration with outof-towners, Fred in many ways was an ambassador to Greenport. Many people have mentioned to the family that Fred is the first guy they met in Greenport. I mean, we’re talking dozens of people that have moved here from elsewhere. Fred’s philosophy was if you were moving here and wanted to fit in, he’d introduce you to others, or give advice on places to drink or food to eat. He was great that way.

So needless to say, Fred was a unique guy. He was very caring and would give you the shirt off his back. He loved life and he loved people. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and brothers, even though at times he could be pretty grumpy, but everyone knew how much he cared for his family. His dedication to the mission of the firefighter at times was a burden to the one is he was closest with. But I guess that can be said for many others; some who most likely are right here right now in this room. In closing we wish Fred on his way in the hands of God, and say thanks for his love and dedication to the community. God speed Chief Rempe.