White Plains Loses a 'True Son of the City'

In the words of Public Safety Commissioner David Chong, the unexpected death of William Delanoy, 58, yesterday is a loss felt around White Plains.

"He is a true son of our city," Chong said of Delanoy, who was a Deputy Fire Chief and 35-year veteran of the White Plains Fire Department.

Delanoy passed away Wednesday night from an apparent heart attack, Chong said.

Chong likened the White Plains Fire Department to a championship football team, lamenting that the passing of Delanoy is akin to a squad losing their star quarterback.

"We are heartbroken as a department," he added. Chong called Delanoy a "close friend" and "confidant."

When asked about Delanoy's legacy, Chong was effusive. "Where do I begin?" he said.

Delanoy joined the department in 1978. His wife, Joanne, has been a city employee for two decades.

Delanoy's son Christopher is a White Plains firefighter, and Delanoy's father, Joe, served with the department for 35 years and retired as a lieutenant.

"This tells something about the legacy of William Delanoy," Chong said.

Delanoy is survived by Joanne, Joe, and his three sons, Christopher, Paul and Gregory.