Ronald Magarie chosen as West Hempstead Person of the Year

Ronald Magarie, a 40-year veteran of the West Hempstead Fire Department, and a lifelong West Hempstead resident, has been selected as Person of the Year by the West Hempstead Community Support Association. Each year, the WHCSA recognizes a resident who exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism and service in the community.

Magarie, who has volunteered thousands of hours keeping West Hempstead safe, is Commissioner of the West Hempstead Fire Department, a position he has held since 2002. He joined the department after graduating West Hempstead High School in 1975, and has since held virtually every position. He rose through the ranks as 2nd and 1st Lieutenant, Junior Captain, Senior Captain, 2nd Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and in 1996 became Chief of the Department.

Avi Rosman, a West Hempstead Fire Dept. Commissioner, commented, “Ron Magarie has made the volunteer fire service his life’s work, generously donating his time for over four decades. He is the quintessential volunteer, always putting the needs of others over his own.”

Magarie’s experience and dedication has been recognized beyond the West Hempstead community. In 2010, he was elected as Nassau Fire Commission Chairman of the 7th Battalion. Then in 2015, he became Nassau County Fire Commission Chairman, comprised of 9 Firematic Battalions within Nassau County.

He holds the distinction of being the first member of the West Hempstead Fire Dept. to hold the position as Chairman. Prior to being elected as Chairman, Ron served as Secretary and Vice-Chairman of the County Commission.

According to the WHCSA, Magarie is always there they need his help. He has helped with holiday lighting at Hall’s Pond Park for many years; and was instrumental in helping to bring the World Trade Center steel artifact from the Port Authority Hanger at JFK airport to West Hempstead. Ron also volunteered and donated the lighting for the West Hempstead 9/11 World Trade Center Memorial located in Hall’s Pond Park.

Magarie and his wife, Susan Ayers, were married in June 1984 and live in West Hempstead with their 3 Basset Hounds – Abby, Jackson & Tucker. He is the president of Corkery Electrical Services in Hempstead,

Magarie was scheduled to receive the 2017 West Hempstead Person of the Year” award from the WHCSA on Wednesday, March 22 in the West Hempstead Middle School Cafeteria.

Prior recipients of the “West Hempstead Person of the Year” have been: Loraine Magaraci, Manuel Martinez, Steve Orlando, Heather Senti, Tom Kemnitzer, Scott Jablow, John Shaud, Nancy Conto, Robert Smith, Al VerPault.