The Rockville Centre Fire Department remembered two of its members who died during the past year during its annual memorial service last weekend, honoring their decades of service and the lasting impact they made on the department.
Held on Oct. 18 at Memorial Park next to the Reliance Firehouse on Forest Avenue, the ceremony drew about 120 people, including firefighters, family members, local officials and clergy. Ex-Chief John Hennig served as master of ceremonies.
Honorary Chief Carl Weeks and Ex-Captain Peter Scarinzi were remembered through Words of Remembrance delivered by captains from their respective companies.
“We lost Peter and Carl this year, but over the years we stop [after the ceremony] and then, after the breakfast, we always tell stories to keep their memories alive,” Hennig said.
Weeks joined Eureka Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1 in May 1954 before transferring to Woodland Engine Company No. 4 in 1962. He served as a Woodland officer from 1965 to 1971, including as captain from 1969 to 1971. He also served as a warden on the department’s Fire Council and as its longtime chief chauffeur.
Nicknamed “Squeaky” for his ladder climbing during fire department competitions, Weeks continued competing into his 40s, keeping pace with younger participants. In 2001, he was named an honorary chief. He was also grand marshal of the 2023 Nassau County Parade hosted by the department.
Weeks remained active into his 80s, often being the first to arrive at Woodland’s firehouse for daytime calls and preparing it for responding crews. He died on September 25, 2025, at age 90.
“He was an ex-captain of Woodlands and just a real solid good man,” Hennig said. “He was always there for us.”
Scarinzi joined Live Oak Engine Company No. 1 in October 1991 and became one of its active members, completing fire academy training and earning New York state emergency medical technician certification. He served as second lieutenant from 2002 to 2004, first lieutenant from 2004 to 2006, and captain in 2006. He transferred to Eureka Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company No. 1 in 2007.
Scarinzi was also known for his chili. After relocating to the FASNY Firemen’s Home, he competed in its annual chili contests, winning first place twice, including in March 2026. He was invited to compete in the New York state finals in Albany.
Scarinzi died last May 11 at the age of 55.
The service included a bagpipe entrance, a wreath-laying ceremony, ceremonial bell tolls, and the playing of Taps and “Amazing Grace” by piper Stephen Crockett. Father Michael Duffy, rector of St. Agnes Cathedral, delivered the invocation and benediction.
Hennig explained that the bell-ringing tradition dates to the days when telegraphs transmitted signals to firehouses following a line-of-duty death.
“They would tap out a special signal of 5-5-5 on a telegraph,” Hennig explained.
The department continues the tradition by ringing the bell in three rounds of five to remember its deceased members.
