Monday, July 14, 2025
The Rockville Centre Fire Department gathered in full dress uniform for its Annual Inspection and Installation Dinner on May 30 at The Lannin in Eisenhower Park, where generations of volunteer firefighters and village leaders celebrated service, camaraderie and community spirit.
This year’s ceremony honored Mayor Francis X. Murray of Floodlight Co. No. 1, who was named an Honorary Chief for over 50 years of service. Fifteen awards were distributed in total, with members being honored for 25 and 50 years of service to the department.
The evening began with Master of Ceremonies Ex-Chief John Mirando introducing the Rockville Centre Fire Department Color Guard, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Firefighter Frank Colon, a U.S. Army veteran and captain of the Fire Police Squad. A solemn invocation was offered, including a moment of silence for departed members, with the program dedicated to Firefighter Ian Bernard of Alert Engine Co. No. 1.
Outgoing chief Scott Mohr addressed the crowd, reflecting on his tenure: “I’m filled with a mix of emotions — gratitude, pride, and yes, a bit of sadness as I close this chapter of my time as chief.”
Mayor Francis Murray, visibly moved while receiving his Honorary Chief plaque from second assistant chief Brian P. O’Toole, recounted his introduction to the fire service. “I got hooked on being a firefighter when I was about 7 years old in the early 1950s. My father was an ex-chief, and I was always by his side,” he said. “I’ve been in the Rescue Company for 53 years, and I never expected this honor. It’s a bit embarrassing, but I’m deeply grateful.”
When asked what kept him going all these years, Murray credited his father, Eugene J. Murray, and the community. “It’s a team effort. We help the people who live, work and play in Rockville Centre. From car accidents to fires, big and small, we’re there. We’re the largest volunteer fire department in New York State with 325 members, and the most highly trained.”
Fifty-Year Award recipient Jeffrey Greenfield also reflected on a lifetime of dedication as a volunteer firefighter. “It feels like only yesterday I joined,” said Greenfield, who grew up in Rockville Centre and joined after college. “I’ve always been involved in the community. It’s a band of brothers.”
Greenfield played a pivotal role in enhancing the department’s Length of Service Award Program, a pension plan designed to retain and attract members. “That meant a lot to me,” he said, “earning the community’s support and improving benefits for volunteers.”
Macallister Morris was honored with the Junior Ex-Captain Award. Andrew Krahm, Connor Bogue, Kevin Kutcher and David Schowerer were honored with Ex-Captain Awards. Greenfield was joined by Gary Kondor, Peter Stuyvesant and John S. Thorp in receiving Fifty-Year Awards. Christopher DeGray, Ross Fielding, John P. Griffin, John O. Lamonica and Brian Remppel were recognized with Twenty-Five Year Awards.
The night also included the installation of officers, by Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, and deputy chiefs, by trustee Emilio Grillo.
