Westchester County Battalion Chief Robert Schnibbe Jr. died Friday evening March 3, 2006 while directing operations at a structure fire in the Village of Irvington. Chief Schnibbe began his volunteer firefighting career as a member of Protection Engine Company #1 of the Hastings-on-Hudson Fire Department (Engine 44). He served six years as a company line officer and twenty-four years as Chief officer for the Department from 1977 to 2001. He was a member of numerous fire service organizations including the Westchester County Volunteer Firefighters Association, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the Westchester County Parade Judges Association where he served as President at the time of his death. Chief Schnibbe was appointed Chief of Battalion 14 of Westchester County in 2003. In this position, he was responsible for coordinating mutual aid operations in Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Irvington, Elmsford, Ardsley, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. Because of his responsibilities as a mutual aid coordinator and his activities in numerous fire service organizations, Chief Schnibbe was one of the most widely known and respected fire officials in Westchester County and throughout the State. He is survived by his loving wife jean, daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Brad Cummings, son Brian, stepson Mike Bloomer, brother Thomas, sister Margie and mother Anne. He was predeceased by his father Robert and sister Ammer. For updates regarding Wake and Funeral arrangements, please go to: www.hastings-on-hudson-firedept.org