Former Chief of the West Hempstead Fire Department Lou Minutoli recently received an award at the department’s annual installation of officers honoring Minutoli’s 50 years of public service.
Minutoli, who is set to turn 70 in January, grew up in West Hempstead. He joined the West Hempstead fire department in 1971 and became chief in 1988. “It was enjoyable. I enjoyed giving time to the community,” Minutoli, 70 said. Minutoli is also a retired member of the New York City Fire Department, having served between 1982 and 2002.
“Most guys in the fire department now, their parents and their kids weren’t even born yet,” Minutoli said of the era when he was chief.“Time goes by quickly,” he added. Today, the former chief still visits the fire house, but he lamented that he is not as active as he once was.