Island Firefighters Gather for Heartfelt Salute to Donald Billings
Salute outside Our Lady Star of the Sea.
Salute outside Our Lady Star of the Sea.
Donald Billings served on the Oak Bluffs fire department for 40 years, 20 as captain.
Donald Billings served on the Oak Bluffs fire department for 40 years, 20 as captain.
Mr. Billings led 2008 campaign to bring 1929 Mack fire truck back to the Island.
Mr. Billings led 2008 campaign to bring 1929 Mack fire truck back to the Island.
The retired fire captain was interred with full military honors at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
The retired fire captain was interred with full military honors at Sacred Heart Cemetery.
Mr. Billings served on the old fire truck when he was a junior in high school.
Mr. Billings served on the old fire truck when he was a junior in high school.
A tribute from friends and colleagues.
A tribute from friends and colleagues.
Island firefighters and veterans gathered Saturday to honor one of their own: Captain Donald R. Billings, who died Wednesday at age 84.
Mr. Billings was an Oak Bluffs firefighter for 40 years, 20 years as a captain. After retirement, he led a campaign to bring the Oak Bluffs Fire Department's old 1929 Mack truck back to the Island after several decades away. On Saturday, the old Engine No. 2 carried Mr. Billings's casket from Our Lady Star of the Sea Church to Sacred Heart Cemetery, with a full compliment of Island firefighters marching behind. Edson Rodgers played Taps, and Mr. Billings was interred with full military honors.