William M. Belinson, chief ofthe Eggertsville Hose Company for 17 years and an active firefighter for 59 years, died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2007, at Buffalo General Hospital.

Mr. Belinson received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Erie County Volunteer Firemen's Association just last Friday, Aug. 10, during Firemen's Day ceremonies at America's Fair in Hamburg.

"Along with being a valued and loved member of the Eggertsville Hose Company, he was also extremely active throughout the state on behalf of volunteer firefighters' causes and issues, and received many awards and honors for his work," said Barry Stark, chaplain of the fire company.

Mr. Belinson was chief from 1960 to 1977.  He was elected to the position of fire commissioner in 1979, a post he still held at the time of his death.

He was awarded the Firemen's Association of the State of New York's most prestigious award, "Firefighter of the Year" in 1958 for two rescues at two separate fires.

Viewing will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Monday Aug. 20 at Temple Shaarey Zedek, 621 Getzville Road, Amherst.  A funeral will follow at 1 p.m.