Remembering the “Commissioner”

On May 2, 2023, the Allison Hook and Ladder Company 2 unveiled a portrait of former President, the late Barry Buskey, at the company meeting. Guests included the Buskey family who enjoyed a homecooked meal with the members before the ceremony.

President Buskey joined Allison in 1959 and went on to become a career firefighter in the City of Harrisburg. He was an active member of the IAFF in Pennsylvania, which included terms as State Preside nt. He was the President of Allison when he passed away in 2022. Over the years Barry was dubbed with the moniker ‘Commissioner’as a sign of respect from all who knew him.

In honor of his life of service to the company, the membership raised the funds to commission an oil painting to be displayed in the fire house to preserve Barry’s memory.

The artist was Scott Meier of Carlisle. He chose the medium of wood rather than canvas to capture the Commissioner’s likeness. Memb ers sorted through many photographs until they settled one with Barry wearing a suit and a fire helmet while making a presentation to City Council. Meier used the photograph as a model for his work.

“We thought the photo captured Barry’s leadership ability and above all, his extreme pride of being a fireman,” said Allison member Jason Lloyd one of Barry’s closest friends.

Following the ceremony, Barry’s wife Roberta who served as Allison’s First Lady during his presidency, was made an Honorary Allison Member.

Guests may view the portrait during a personal visit or during an open house.

- Submitted by Steve Austin