Oceanside honors former fire chief with street dedication

The Oceanside Fire Department and Town of Hempstead officials gathered to honor the life and legacy of former Chief Robert Jacoby with the dedication of a street corner near the home where he raised his family and served his community for decades.

During the May 2 ceremony at the corner of Colonial Place and Glenwood Court, family members, firefighters, neighbors and local officials unveiled commemorative street signs recognizing Jacoby, a 64-year member of the Oceanside Fire Department, former chief of the department and longtime instructor at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy.

Jacoby, who died in 2024, was remembered not only as a respected firefighter and mentor, but also as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, U.S. Army veteran and public servant whose life centered on helping others.

“It was a really nice time,” Oceanside Fire Chief Kevin Klein said. “At the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about — showing Chief Jacoby’s family how much his time, commitment and service were appreciated.”

The ceremony included a large turnout from the fire department, particularly members of Hose Company No. 1 on Evergreen Avenue, where Jacoby served for many years.

Town Supervisor John Ferretti served as master of ceremonies, while former Oceanside Fire Department Chief Thomas Pellegrino spoke on behalf of the department. Nassau County and Town of Hempstead officials also attended, including Town Clerk Kate Murray and Receiver of Taxes Jeannine Driscoll.

Klein said the dedication was initiated by Jacoby’s children through the Town of Hempstead, with the Oceanside Fire Department eager to participate.

“At the time of his passing, he was the senior-most active chief still left in town,” Klein said. “His entire life was about serving others.”

Born Nov. 1, 1932, in New York City, Jacoby grew up in Woodmere and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1950. He joined the Woodmere Fire Department in 1951 while attending Clarkson College in Potsdam, where he studied engineering and played freshman hockey.

In 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in Germany as part of the U.S. Army Security Force after initially being assigned to military police duties. Following his honorable discharge, Jacoby continued serving in the Army Reserves and later worked as a Nassau County traffic engineer.

After marrying Helen Johannsen of Rockville Centre in 1961, the couple moved to Oceanside, where Jacoby transferred to the Oceanside Fire Department and joined Hose Company No. 1. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, serving as captain before becoming chief of department in 1977.

During his tenure as chief, the department won first place at the New York State Firemen’s Association Parade in Syracuse. He later continued serving the department as a training officer and safety officer.

Outside the fire department, Jacoby spent more than two decades as director of security at Nassau County Medical Center, a role Klein said reflected his lifelong dedication to public service.

He also spent more than 25 years teaching probationary firefighters as an assistant chief instructor at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy, mentoring generations of firefighters throughout Nassau County.

Klein said public tributes like the street dedication are especially meaningful at a time when volunteerism continues declining nationwide.

“I think it’s super important,” he said. “It brings attention to the fact that there are people in our community that volunteer their time and risk their lives for others.”

He added that memorial street signs also help preserve the stories of local first responders for future generations.

“Somebody might ask, ‘Why is that street sign there? Who was that person?’” Klein said. “It serves as a reminder that there were people who lived amongst us who were willing to sacrifice for the residents of our community.”

For Jacoby’s family, the ceremony served as a lasting reminder that his decades of service will not be forgotten.

“They were emotional,” Klein said. “As long as they see that him giving so much of himself all those years won’t be forgotten, that’s what matters most.”