Longtime Fleming Firefighter Joe Saville Dies After Cancer Battle

Saville served his community and country for over three decades before succumbing to the disease.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:03am

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Joe Saville, a longtime member of the Fleming Fire Department in New York, has passed away following a battle with cancer. Saville served the department for over 30 years as an interior firefighter and EMT, in addition to a career with the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Why it matters

Saville's decades of public service and dedication to his community are being honored by the fire department, which praised his commitment to helping others. His passing is a loss felt by both his local community and the broader public safety network he was a part of.

The details

Saville joined the Fleming Fire Department in 1989 and worked as an interior firefighter and EMT. He also had a long career with the U.S. Coast Guard, serving at stations in Hawaii and Buffalo, and later spent over 20 years with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, rising to the rank of Supervisory Marine Interdiction Agent.

  • Saville joined the Fleming Fire Department in 1989.
  • He served with the department for over 30 years until his passing in 2026.

The players

Joe Saville

A longtime member of the Fleming Fire Department who served as an interior firefighter and EMT, as well as having a career with the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Fleming Fire Department

The fire department in Fleming, New York that Saville served with for over 30 years.

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What they’re saying

“Joe Saville was a dedicated public servant who consistently answered the call to serve his community and country. His decades of work are a true reflection of his commitment.”

— Fleming Fire Department Officials

The takeaway

Saville's passing is a loss felt by both his local community and the broader public safety network he was a part of, highlighting the importance of honoring those who dedicate their lives to serving others.