Paul D. Silver passed on to a greater purpose on March 6, 2024. Paul joined the department on October 4, 1974, with J. W. Hoysradt Hose Co. #8.

Although many residents, and even some members have never heard of Paul, his legacy is long remembered in the Hudson Fire Department as one that has carried us on to remain a fully volunteer service for the past 4 ½ decades.

For those who didn’t know Paul. He was genuinely a nice guy. The kind of guy you would enjoy just sitting to have a chat and a laugh with. His vision for our department was just that; Keep it casual, and make sure the job got done, and done right.

In 1978 Paul, along with now retired Department of Youth Director Richard Tracy, and Firefighter and future Columbia County Undersheriff James Sweet teamed up to pave the pathway to Hudson FD’s first explorer post. After a long-fought struggle with city leaders and the Common Council, the first Hudson Fire Department Explorer Post was born in 1979; Explorer Post 108 with J.W. Hoysradt Hose Co. # 8.

For those of us lucky enough to have worked with Paul at fires and drills, we remember him as the go to guy. They guy with reasonableness and the skills to get the job done and done the right way. He was an aggressive interior firefighter, responsible driver and the pump operator who never let you run out of water, he was also the guy who could keep you safe in the tough spots of the job.

Paul moved on from us years ago to pursue his love of practicing law and raising his amazing family. For us, he left a legacy that has benefited the residents of Hudson for the past several decades.

Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and coworkers in this time of sorrow.

Rest in peace brother and thank you for your amazing gift to our community.