Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department mourns longtime assistant chief

Few people knew more about fire safety than Bill Anderson, former assistant chief with the Greensburg Volunteer Fire Department.

“If I knew what he forgot, I’d be a brilliant man,” said Al Rosatti, another emeritus assistant chief and close friend of Anderson. “He was a highly intelligent individual.”

Anderson taught courses on fire safety at Westmoreland County Community College and Community College of Allegheny County. He wrote articles for fire service magazines and trained firefighters across the region on the latest equipment.

“He was an extremely hard worker, and he was very loyal and dedicated,” said his wife, Cynthia Anderson.

William Anderson, 79, of Greensburg, died Friday, April 17, 2020.

Son of the late Elmer and Inez (Mcnerney) Anderson, Mr. Anderson dedicated his life to his community.

He spent many years as Greensburg’s code enforcement officer.

He joined the city fire department in 1960, serving under legendary longtime fire Chief J. Edward Hutchinson.

“The Hutchinsons were like a family to him,” Mrs. Anderson said.

After working as Greensburg’s code enforcement officer, he took a job managing safety and security for Volkswagen.

He was one of the first members of Greensburg’s rescue dive team.

He was a loving father who persevered through life’s difficulties, his wife said.

“Nothing ever knocked him down,” she said.

Mr. Anderson had a bachelor’s degree in business, an associate degree in fire science, and two master’s degrees: one in public administration, the other in safety and security, according to his wife.

He was well-liked by the firefighters he trained, according to Rosatti.

“Everybody got along with him, no matter what fire department they were in,” Rosatti said. “When he started talking about something in the fire service, you paid attention, because you knew he knew what he was talking about.”

In his free time, he enjoyed working in his yard and exercising at the Greensburg Aerobic Center.

“He loved Greensburg, and he loved the fire department, and he loved his family,” his wife said.

He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Anderson, and daughter Amy Anderson.

Private funeral arrangements are being handled by the Leo M. Bacha Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 510 Pellis Road, Greensburg, Pa. 15601.