After two decades of dedicated service to one of the busiest fire departments in the Capital Region, Firefighter Dan Riley officially retired from the City of Troy’s Fire Department, marking the end of a remarkable 20-year career.

Riley joined the Troy Fire Department on March 18, 2005, embarking on a journey marked by bravery, commitment, and an unwavering dedication to the community. He began his career on Engine 2, later moving through various assignments, including a long tenure with the rescue squad starting in 2009, followed by Engine 4 in 2016, and concluding his service at Engine 6 in South Troy from 2020 until his retirement.

Throughout his career, Riley was at some of Troy’s most significant incidents. Among the most memorable was the massive Alpha Lanes Bowling Alley fire in 2019 were he was second due engine company on scene, which gained international attention due to a large smoke explosion and became a widely studied incident by firefighting experts globally. Another unforgettable moment was battling the intense blaze on 9th Street, which involved three fully engulfed houses. During that incident, Firefighter Riley and his colleague, Firefighter Frank Razzano, narrowly escaped injury when the structure collapsed moments after completing a primary search.

Riley’s bravery was officially recognized on multiple occasions, notably in 2016 when he received an award for rescuing a person who had fallen from a boat into the hudson river. Additionally, in May 2012, Riley showcased exceptional skill and courage during a high-angle rescue at Clemente Concrete, successfully retrieving a worker trapped atop a concrete hopper alongside Firefighter Ziter.

Reflecting on his time with the department, Riley shared sentiments, emphasizing how much he’ll miss sharing meals and conversations at the dinner table after challenging days and enjoying summer evenings outside the firehouse, surrounded by the lively neighborhood atmosphere and camaraderie of his fellow firefighters.

Looking ahead, Firefighter Riley is excited to spend more quality time traveling with his family, tackling home projects, and savoring the simple joys of everyday life.