Community Corner

Beloved Babylon Firefighter Mourned After Sudden Death

"He was a good friend and fellow fire fighter and will be missed." - West Babylon Fire Department​ Chief Steve Kamalic.

Reuben Jump of the West Babylon Fire Department​ passed away at home on April 19.
Reuben Jump of the West Babylon Fire Department​ passed away at home on April 19. (West Babylon Fire Department​ )

BABYLON, NY — The West Babylon community is mourning the death of Reuben T. Jump, 65, a lifelong member of the West Babylon Fire Department and a friend to many.

According to his obituary, Jump "passed away suddenly on April 19, 2024 at his home in Pennsylvania.

Jump worked as a tree trimmer for PSEG for many years. He was born in Sidney, New York on December 9, 1958, to Robert J. Jump and Goldie M. (Congdon) Jump, the obituary said.

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"Reuben was always ready to lend a hand to anyone that needed assistance. He was an ace at tree trimming. He could always be found in the recliner watching a movie or TV show. He was a good friend and fellow firefighter and will be missed," WBFD Chief Steve Kamalic told Patch.

According to Kamalic, Jump joined the fire department as a member of Beaver Company Engine Co 2 on May 5, 1992, and the fire police squad on May 29, 2007.

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"He was an active member of both the engine company and fire police until he became an inactive life member on November 3, 2020. This is when he retired and move to the Pocono Region of Pennsylvania," Chief Kamalic said.

On its Facebook page, WBFD wrote, "Reuben was a dedicated Life Member of Beaver Engine Company 2 with 32 years of service, and also served as a member of the Fire Police Squad. His commitment to our community and his fellow firefighters will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Reuben."

A funeral service will take place on Saturday, April 27, at 11 a.m. at Gower Funeral Home & Crematory in Gilbert, Pennsylvania.

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