When Charles R. Haas was a young boy, he told his father that he wanted to be a firefighter. Most childhood dreams fade. However, for Charlie, this dream became an ambition, and that ambition became the reality of his life: firefighting. Charlie never made a secret of his love for firefighting and his dedication did not go unnoticed. He joined the High Falls Fire Department at the very young age of 16. After two years of training, he became one of the most enthusiastic and dedicated firefighters in Ulster County. In his senior year of High School, Charlie enlisted in the Air Force as a Firefighter Specialist, with a plan to become a professional firefighter after completion of his service in the Air Force. Sadly, this part of Charlie’s plan was never to be. Charlie made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of his dreams. He lost his life in the line of duty on February 17, 1981 at the age of 18. He died doing what he loved most - helping friends and neighbors in time of need. Outside of firefighting, Charlie had a great sense of humor. His friends found him so much fun to be around. All who knew him considered him to be the most loyal of friends. Charles R. Haas was a true High Falls hero, and is greatly missed. In honor of this brave young man, and his sacrifice to our community, the Charles R. Haas Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established to assist young students interested in firefighting. Anyone interested in contributing to the Fund, or applying for a Scholarship, may obtain more information at sunyulster.edu/foundation.