Former Huntington Fire Chief Howard 'Skip' Riggs Mourned

Submitted on Oct. 13 by the Town of Huntington Fire Chiefs’ Council

The Huntington Fire Department held a memorial service on August 10, 2014 for Ex-Chief Howard “Skip” Riggs, 77, who passed away on July 16 in Fort Myers, Florida.

Riggs joined the Hook and Ladder Company of the department in 1963. He was elected to Second Lieutenant in 1968, First Lieutenant in 1971, and Captain in 1972. Skip then worked his way up the Deputy Chief’s ranks, culminating with being elected Chief of Department in 1980 serving through 1982.

During his firematic career, Riggs served on committees for fire prevention, training, and the department’s 1922 American LaFrance antique fire engine. He later went on the inactive roles in 1984. Chief Riggs was also known by many in the villages throughout Huntington where he served as a seasonal police officer for many years.

Riggs is survived by his wife Dorothy, daughter Jane (Buddy), sons Brian (Doreen), and Steve (Mary) and four grandchildren, Brian, Connor, Ryann, and Madeline. Brian Riggs is a Huntington firefighter who also went on to serve as Chief from 2010-2011, and Steve Riggs is an Honorary Member of Huntington FD. Brian’s son Brian, 22, is in the U.S. Air Force, and son Connor, 19, is following in the family tradition as a Huntington volunteer firefighter.

Photo: Howard “Skip” Riggs, left, pins Chief’s badge on his son Brian Riggs, right, after Brian was installed as Huntington FD Chief in 2010. (Photo by Steve Silverman)