N. Bellmorite honored for 50 years of fire service

Lois Luckner thought it was just another meeting at the Vamps Club for the North Bellmore Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary recently, but when she arrived, it turned out to be a surprise party in her honor.

Luckner was honored for 50 years of service to the Ladies Auxiliary, only the third woman to receive the honor in the history of the auxiliary.

Luckner, 78, joined the Ladies Auxiliary when her husband, Nicholas, joined the North Bellmore Fire Department after their family moved to North Bellmore from Queens. Her husband died in 1998, but Luckner has continued to remain active in the fire department. Aside from her own involvement, the North Bellmore Fire Department is a family affair for Luckner. Her daughter Ginny Marschall is active in the Ladies Auxiliary, and her grandson David Marschall is the acting chief of Smithville South Hook and Ladder and Engine Company 1.

Luckner said “it was such a shock” when she walked into the meeting and saw there was a party in her honor. Her son Michael, a former chief, came from Ohio, as did her daughter from North Carolina. Her family, which includes five children, 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, came out to support her.

Luckner has scaled back her workload for the fire department but continues to attend meetings and volunteer at events. She said the Ladies Auxiliary has given her many good friends over the years. “It’s a nice group; I think any organization that helps the town is nice to belong to,” she said.

Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg, a Democrat from Merrick, also attended to present Luckner with a citation recognizing her commitment to the community.

Comments about this story? DKrasula@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 234.