Former Stanford Fire Chief Robert W. Stramm Jr. Dies at 81

Stramm served the community for over three decades as a firefighter and equipment operator.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:55am

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph in warm, muted tones representing the legacy of a longtime fire chief, with no discernible details or identifiable elements.The muted, dreamlike photograph captures the quiet legacy of a longtime fire chief who dedicated his life to public service.Brooklyn Today

Robert W. Stramm Jr., a former chief of the Stanford Fire Company in New York, passed away on April 4 at the age of 81. Stramm had a long career in firefighting, starting in the U.S. Navy and later joining the Lake Carmel Fire Department and Union Vale Fire Department before serving with the Stanford Fire Company for 33 years, including as chief.

Why it matters

Stramm's passing marks the end of an era for the Stanford Fire Company, which he helped lead for over three decades. His dedication to public service and community safety made him a respected figure in the region.

The details

Stramm was born in Brooklyn in 1945 and after graduating high school, served three years in the U.S. Navy. He then worked as a heavy equipment operator for many years with Clove Excavators in Poughquag, where he earned the nickname "Cactus". Stramm began his firefighting career in the Navy and later joined the Lake Carmel Fire Department and Union Vale Fire Department before joining the Stanford Fire Company in 1993, where he served in various roles including chief until his retirement.

  • Stramm was born on February 11, 1945 in Brooklyn.
  • He graduated from Carmel School in 1964.
  • Stramm served three years in the U.S. Navy after graduating high school.
  • He married Sharon LaForge on February 6, 1971.
  • Stramm joined the Stanford Fire Company in 1993 and served there for 33 years until his passing on April 4, 2026.

The players

Robert W. Stramm Jr.

A former chief of the Stanford Fire Company in New York who had a long career in firefighting, starting in the U.S. Navy and later joining several local fire departments before serving with the Stanford Fire Company for 33 years.

Sharon LaForge

Stramm's wife who survives him.

Stanford Fire Company

The fire department in Stanford, New York where Stramm served as chief for 33 years.

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The takeaway

Stramm's decades of service as a firefighter, including over 30 years leading the Stanford Fire Company, made him a pillar of the local community. His passing is a loss felt by many who benefited from his commitment to public safety over the course of his long career.