David G. Heiney Sr.

1958 - 2015

April 3, 1958 ~ February 10, 2015 David G. Heiney Sr., 56, of Old Saybrook, CT passed away unexpectedly February 10, 2015. He was born in New London, CT on April 3, 1958. Pre-deceased by parents Eugean E. Heiney Jr. and Shirley B. Heiney and a brother Chris Heiney, he is survived by his wife Elizabeth Tuohy Heiney, sons David Jr. and William, brothers Erik and Eugean III, Sister-in-law Deborah, nephew Nicholas, and niece Alexis. As a member of Old Saybrook Senior High School's class of 1976, he excelled in football, a passion passed down to his son Will, and he never missed a game. After High School, David went on to attend Thames Valley State Technical School for Fire Technology and Administration. David grew up on the waters around Old Saybrook exploring his passions of boating, fishing, clamming and hunting. He was an award-winning champion waterfowl decoy carver thanks to the skill his father passed down to him, and was also an avid collector of antique Old Saybrook wildfowl decoys. He greatly enjoyed hunting with his sons, and taught them everything he knew about water fowling. Past Old Saybrook Police Chief Edmund H. Mosca knew David all of his life and encouraged him to apply for the Communications Technician position in August of 1979. He was subsequently hired in 1980, later becoming Head Dispatcher. On January 25, 1982 he was appointed as a Supernumerary Police Officer distinguishing himself with the town's DWI program, Marine Patrol, and was the in-house expert on hunting and fishing law. While working for the Old Saybrook Police Department he met his future bride, Elizabeth (Liz), who was also employed as a Dispatcher and later a Patrolman. For the past 25 years David worked as a Master Picture Framer at The Paint Shop on Main Street. David grew up with a love for the Fire Service, a love instilled in him by his father who served as an Assistant Fire Chief in the early 1970's. David joined the Old Saybrook Fire Department on April 6, 1976. He moved through the ranks serving as Captain, 2nd Assistant Chief, 1st Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief, and as Chief of Department from January 5, 1999 through January 2, 2002. He was very active in the Fire Department and up until the time of his death served as Trustee and Chairman of the committee responsible for the new engine, which will arrive in town very soon. His two sons, William and David Jr., have each served as officers of the OSFD and are now career firefighters in Connecticut, a point of great pride for their father. David's selfless service has been recognized locally and across the state. On December 29, 2010 Past Chief Heiney responded to a report of a woman in the water off Knollwood Pier. Chief Heiney arrived first, in civilian clothing, and without the benefit of cold water rescue equipment entered the water, swam to the victim and brought her to safety. For this act he was awarded the Old Saybrook Fire Department's Bravery Medal and at the 2011 Connecticut State Firefighters Convention the CT State Firefighters Association awarded him their Medal for Bravery. Chief Heiney's other decorations include Firefighter of the Year in 2007, Firefighter Service Commendation Ribbon 1995, and Unit Commendations for the Hurricanes of 2011 and 2012. Chief Heiney is known as "Admin" by thousands of Firefighters who visit the Firefighter website CTFIRE-EMS.COM that he created. His strong belief in training and the sharing of knowledge and experiences within Connecticut's Fire Service is well respected. A wake will be held on Sunday, February 15th, 1 pm to 6 pm, Swan's Funeral Home 1224 Boston Post Road. Additional parking will be available at the Old Saybrook Senior High School across the street. The funeral will be held Monday, February 16th, 11am, in the First Church of Christ Congregational, 366 Main Street in Old Saybrook. Those attending the funeral are asked to park at the Goodwin School, 80 Old Boston Post Road, or at the Old Saybrook Middle School, 60 Sheffield Street. Shuttle Busses will be provided. Following the funeral there will be a ceremony in front of the Firehouse at 310 Main Street. Guests are invited inside the firehouse for a gathering of friends and familiar. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Past Chief David G Heiney Sr., to the Old Saybrook Fire Company No 1 Inc., 310 Main Street, Old Saybrook, CT 06475. Donations made in his memory will be used to fund college scholarships for children of Old Saybrook Firefighters. For online tributes and condolences please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybrook.com