By Rory J. Thompson
Led by RVCFD Chief of Department Michael F. Lapkowski and the Nassau County Firefighters Pipes Band, the contingent marched up Quealy Place and into the cathedral for a service led by St. Agnes' Monsignor James Kelly.
Following the pledge of allegiance led by Lapkowski, the St. Agnes Choir sang the national anthem and Kelly gave the invocation. This was followed by readings of scripture and a recitation of the names of those firefighters and members of the Ladies Auxiliary who died in the past year.
Especially moving was the presentation of Bibles from Lapkowski to the Malverne and Franklin Square & Munson Fire Departments, both of which lost members in Line of Duty deaths. A bugler then played "Taps" as members stood for a moment of silence in memory of their fallen comrades.
"It's important that we take time to remember those we lost," Lapkowski said later. "The work we do is vitally important, and it's equally important to be aware of how dangerous it can be. It was gratifying to see so many members show up in memory of their friends and fellow firefighters."
