Ex-Lynbrook Fire Chief dies

Ex-Chief and Honorary Fire Commissioner Domenick J. DeCarlo Jr., a lifelong Lynbrook resident, a 65-year member of Tally-Ho Engine Company 3 and a former Lynbrook village trustee, died on Jan. 23. He was 86.

A Long Island Water retiree, “Uncle Dom,” as his friends called him, was also a World War II Army veteran who earned a Bronze Star during his service. He joined Tally-Ho in 1947, and a year later he was elected company secretary, a position he held until 1951. In 1953 he was elected second lieutenant, and he rose through the ranks to become Tally-Ho’s captain in 1955. In 1960 he became a company trustee, and he served in that position for many years.

“Tally-Ho, the Lynbrook Fire Department and the Village of Lynbrook have lost a true, dedicated individual who served this community unselfishly throughout his entire life,” said Tally-Ho Captain Dominick Gerardi Sr. “He will be missed by all of us.”

Besides his duties with Tally-Ho, DeCarlo was active in the department’s rescue squad and had served as its captain. In 1965 he was elected third deputy chief, and after serving for a year in each of the deputy positions, he became chief of the department in 1968. In 1970 he took on additional duties when he was elected the Lynbrook F.D.’s treasurer.

After completing his term as chief, DeCarlo became one of Tally-Ho’s wardens, representing the company on the Fire Council for 17 years, until 1985. He was also the department’s delegate to the 4th Battalion and a delegate to the Nassau County Firemen’s Association. He was an active member of the Nassau County Fire Chief’s Association, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Fifteen years ago he was honored for his 50 years of service in the LFD and named an honorary fire commissioner.

DeCarlo served as a Lynbrook village trustee from 1987 to 1995. He was also a member of the local Elks Club.