'A Friend To All': Funeral Set For Beloved Brentwood Firefighter

BRENTWOOD, NY —The Brentwood community and firefighters around Long Island are mourning the death of a dedicated fireman, friend, and community member.

Chris J. Allen, of Brentwood, died on Jan. 16. He was 64 and a 44-year member of the Brentwood Fire Department.

In a social media post announcing Allen's passing, the West Islip Fire Department wrote:

"The West Islip Fire Department would like to offer our deepest condolences and prayers to the Brentwood FD and family, on the loss of Ex-Chief Christopher Allen.

"Ex-Chief Allen served as Chief of Department from 2001-2003 and also served Suffolk County as a 3rd Division Fire Coordinator (3-0-4).

"Chief Allen was a friend to all, especially on the fireground. He will be sorely missed. Rest easy Chief."

According to his obituary, Allen succumbed to a three-year battle with cancer surrounded by his wife, Linda, and son, Christopher.

"The fire service was an organization of pride and he developed many long-time friends that he will forever consider his brothers," the obituary said. "His love for the fire department ran as deep as his passion for his radios which he dedicated his life to until the end. "

Visitors will be received Tuesday, Jan. 21, and Wednesday, Jan. 22, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Michael J. Grant Funeral Homes in Brentwood, with firematic services Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Commemoration will continue Thursday with a Funeral Mass at 9:45 a.m. at St. Anne's R.C. Church in Brentwood. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Bay Shore.