By:Cindy J. Roth
C. Fred O'Brien was a model and a mentor for many firefighters. He dedicated his life to the Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department and protection of the Bellmore community for 77 years.
"The fire department was his life," said his wife, Janet O'Brien. "He did everything for the fire department. Whenever they needed him, he was there."
An active member of the department up until the last few years, Mr. O'Brien was much reverend and respected for his knowledge of firefighting and his longevity in the Bellmore department. He died July 10 of natural causes. He was 96 years old.
Mr. O'Brien joined the fire department in 1924. He went on to hold numerous elected positions in the department over his 77-year membership. Mr. O'Brien served as department chief from 1938-1940 and as fire commissioner for several terms.
"He was the most wonderful person in the world," said firefighter Peter Schmalenberger, who knew Mr. O'Brien for more than 60 years. "He was a great leader and a great inspiration to all."
Mr. O'Brien's list of accomplishments with the fire department is far reaching. He was the recipient of the Fireman of the Year Award and a Community Award for his dedicated service. Mr. O'Brien also served as vice president and president of the Bellmore Volunteer Firemen's Benevolent Association. The association raises funds to benefit firefighters during hard times.
"[Mr. O'Brien was] a true elder statesman," said Fire Commissioner Raymond Of. "Younger guys would go to Fred to find the right way to do something. He became a mentor as he got older."
In June 1999, the department bestowed the highest honor on Mr. O'Brien, naming the new Bellmore Fire District Building on Newbridge Road as The C. Fred O'Brien Building. A monument was erected at the site in Mr. O'Brien's honor, bearing the inscription, "A lifetime of dedication to the community of Bellmore."
"He was like an icon," Schmalenberger said.
Friends of Mr. O'Brien remember him best for his strong convictions. When he believed in something, he stuck firm to his ideas and made sure everyone was listening.
"At meetings to draw attention, he would bang his cane on the table," said firefighter John Scalesi, who knew Mr. O'Brien for 20 years. "You knew not to get in the way of the cane. People always listened to him. It's a loss for the fire department."
Mr. O'Brien remained with the department until recently when he left on medical leave. His knowledge of the department and good-natured personality are what will be missed most, Bellmore officials said. Commissioner Of said Mr. O'Brien was a good example of someone who gave more of himself than anyone could imagine. Anytime you needed a favor, he was always there, even if he was sick.
"Fred was honest, decent, and he gave so much of himself to the Bellmore Fire Department," said department Chaplain Dennis Rich, a friend of Mr. O'Brien's for 42 years.
Rich conducted funeral services for Mr. O'Brien. "We truly salute his generous, outgoing spirit, his leadership and example, his outstanding dedication to duty and performance. His talent to encourage others will long be in our hearts."
Mr. O'Brien is survived by his wife, Janet, 93.
Funeral services were July 12 at Pinelawn Cemetery in Farmingdale. More than 100 firefighters attended.
