Verona Says Goodbye to Assistant Chief Mike Hawthorne

VERONA, N.Y. — The Verona community gathered on June 29th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and on Tuesday. And June 30th will be to honor the life and service of Assistant Chief Mike Hawthorne.

The funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. at Verona Fire Department Station 1, located at 5555 Volunteer Ave. in Verona.

Following the services, Assistant Chief Hawthorne will be escorted in a funeral procession from the fire station to Verona Cemetery on East Main Street. This procession will be a final tribute to a man who dedicated himself to serving others, standing beside his fellow firefighters, and answering the call when his community needed him.

Assistant Chief Hawthorne’s loss is deeply felt by his family, his fire department, fellow first responders, and the many lives he touched. His dedication, courage, and service will never be forgotten.

Departments, law enforcement, and EMS agencies wishing to take part with apparatus or help line the streets are asked to contact Sylvan Beach Fire Chief Ricky Johnson at (315) 762-7420.

Please keep Assistant Chief Hawthorne’s family, friends, and the Verona Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers as the community comes together to honor his final ride.

Memorial contributions may be made in Mike’s memory to the Verona Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 137, Verona, NY, 13478, or an educational fund for Caitlin and Allison.