Rockville Centre celebrates heroes over two days

Police and volunteer firefighters meet residents during separate celebrations attended by nearly 600 people

Posted Friday, August 28, 2026 6:44 am

Rockville Centre firefighter Andrew Chesterton was surrounded by some of his youngest admirers during the second session of "RVC Heroes Day," including Ava Berman, 5, of Rockville Centre; Paisley Wilton, 2, of South Hempstead; and sisters Jeanne, 8, and Cece Mayo, 5, of Rockville Centre.

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The line to meet a police officer was proof that on "RVC Heroes Day," being “next in line” was a pretty exciting place to be.

Stu Goldman/Herald

Colin Gallagher, 3, dressed as a firefighter, had to wait a week to meet his heroes, while his brother Jack, 5, dressed as a police officer, got his chance on Aug. 14.

Stu Goldman/Herald

With a plastic firefighter’s helmet on his head and a real hose in his hands, 4-year-old Malcom Amen got a little help from Rockville Centre firefighter Santiago Reyes while taking on the role of junior firefighter on Aug. 21.

Stu Goldman/Herald

Rockville Centre firefighters Elizabeth Redmond, Lt. Patrick Schowerer and Andrew Chesterdon pose with Owen, 8, and Declan, 3, Stefanek, who got an up-close look at some of their hometown heroes.

Stu Goldman/Herald

Police Officer Tom Szenczy met a few of his youngest fans at "RVC Heroes Day," posing with Rockville Centre youngsters Jack Marrone, 4, Theo Baydala, 5, Maeve Marrone, 2, Julian Howard, 5, and Charlie Baydala, 3.

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Dozens of visitors filled the Rockville Centre Public Library parking lot on Aug. 21 to get an up-close look at the trucks and meet the firefighters at the second "RVC Heroes Day."

Stu Goldman/Herald

Rockville Centre Floodlight Co. 1 showed up in force during the second day of "RVC Heroes Day" on Aug. 21.

Stu Goldman/Herald

By Brian Kacharaba

Sometimes, celebrating your hometown heroes takes more than one day.

That’s what happened at the Rockville Centre Public Library, when "RVC Heroes Day" unexpectedly became a two-day event after firefighters were called away to an emergency on the original date. The change meant residents got an encore celebration — first with local police officers, then with Rockville Centre firefighters the following week.

The event was originally scheduled for Aug. 14 in the library parking lot, where members of the Rockville Centre Police Department were on hand to meet residents and showcase their vehicles. The Rockville Centre Volunteer Fire Department was expected to participate as well, but its first responders were called to an emergency that day and had to postpone their appearance to serve the community.

Rather than let the firefighters miss out completely, the library brought them back for a second heroes day on Aug. 21. The two-day format gave residents another chance to meet the firefighters, learn more about their work and express their appreciation for the volunteers who respond to fires, accidents and other emergencies throughout the village.

With so many people in Rockville Centre who dedicate their time to helping others, the library said the community had plenty of heroes to celebrate. The two-day event also offered an opportunity for residents of all ages to interact with local first responders in a relaxed setting outside of an emergency.

Nearly 600 people came out to thank Rockville Centre’s community heroes this year. The library expressed its gratitude to both the Rockville Centre Police Department and Rockville Centre Volunteer Fire Department for their service and dedication to the community, and said it is already looking forward to next year’s celebration.

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