Deceased Firefighter Was Beloved by Family

Paul Simison’s impact on the life of his sister Cynthia Simison is best described in her own words.

Cynthia Simison, the managing editor of The Republican in Springfield, MA, wrote an article earlier this month, linked to in the above paragraph, about the importance of her brother in her life. Paul Simison died in a car crash Wednesday in Suffield and his death has been felt throughout the town.

Although she is suffering, as are all of Paul Simison’s family and friends, from the sudden loss of someone who meant so much, Cynthia Simison spoke about her brother Thursday morning.

"My brother was probably one of the kindest, gentlest, very fine people [I've known]," Cynthia Simison said.

She pointed to Paul Simison's wife, Nancy, and their three daughters, as the lights of his life, as well as his work as a volunteer firefighter.

"He loved life in Suffield," Cynthia Simison said, noting that her brother and his wife predominantly raised their three daughters, all Suffield High School graduates, in town.

She said Paul Simison patterned his life, especially his work in firefighting, on his father-in-law Jim Mackey of Garnerville, NY. Mackey, who passed away in 2003, was chief of the S.W. Johnson Fire Company in that area, among other firefighting positions.

Paul Simison worked with the community as part of his volunteer career with the Suffield Fire Department. He was involved with Suffield's yearly fireman's carnival, the fireman's association 5k run and, according to the Hartford Courant, a key organizer of celebrations for the department's centennial anniversary in 1996.

"The depth of our grief is unfathomable," Cynthia Simison said of the family's loss.

She made a point to extend sympathies, saying that her family's hearts go out to the family of the other person in the accident, Shaun Phelps of Southwick, MA.

Simison's family is working with the Suffield Fire Department for funeral arrangements but the plans had not been finalized as of Thursday afternoon.