Fire department holds annual elections

Members of the Rockville Centre Fire Department will go to the polls on Thursday, April 9 to elect chiefs and a delegate to the South Shore’s 4th Battalion Fire District.

Running for Chief of Department is current First Assistant Chief Bob Seaman of Live Oak Engine Company No. 1. Seaman has served as a Deputy Chief for the past four years, and was also Chief Fire Inspector for the village.

The candidate for First Assistant Chief is current Second Deputy Chief Brian Cook. Cook is an Ex-Captain of Reliance Hose Company No. 3 and is a 27-year member of the department. He has been twice decorated for lifesaving rescues.

There is competition for the soon-to-be-vacated Second Assistant Chief’s slot. Running for that position are Captain Jim Avondet of Defender Hose Company No. 1 and Ex-Captain Eric Burel of Woodland Engine Company No. 4. Both firefighters have years of experience with the RVCFD, having both served as active firefighters, line officers and delegates to various committees.

Also on the ballot this year is Ex-Chief John Mirando, seeking another term as the department’s delegate to the 4th Battalion. The new chiefs will be sworn in at the April Fire Council meeting.

Chief of Department Candidate Robert Seaman

Robert J. Seaman, a 26-year member of Live Oak Engine Co. No. 1, is seeking the position of Chief of the Rockville Centre Fire Department.

Bob joined Live Oak in 1989 serving alongside his father, the late Bradley Seaman, and his brother, James Seaman. Members of the company quickly realized Bob’s leadership and firefighting abilities and elected him to serve as their Captain in 1995. Following his tenure as captain, Bob served the department as Chief Fire Inspector for eight years. In addition to these accomplishments, he has been involved in all phases of fire department activities, has held key positions on several company committees, and represented Engine 1 on many department committees as well.