By:Nick Buglione
Thomas- widow Lois accepted the award from Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray on his behalf. A well respected and dedicated volunteer, this November would have been Thomas- 50th year with the department. He died in July after a long battle with leukemia. He was 76.
The fire department was such a large part of Thomas- life, his widow said. It was everything to him, really, she said. He was always there for everybody.
Thomas was recognized along with nine other firefighters and three civilians during the ceremony, which was held at Hempstead Town Hall. The crowd, filled with firemen from all over the county, family and friends, gave a standing ovation in Thomas- honor. Some of his colleagues wiped away tears.
Firefighters make significant sacrifices and put their lives on the line every day to protect people and their property, Murray said. What makes the activities of our talented honorees so compelling is the fact that they volunteer, giving of their personal time, to ensure that our residents are safe.
Fellow volunteers in the East Meadow Fire Department described Thomas as an instrumental member who led by example.
He was like the shoulder to lean on, said Neil Rhode, East Meadow Fire Department first deputy chief. He was the one you looked up to for guidance. He was a true leader.
Thomas served with Rescue Company No. 5, receiving a meritorious pin for finishing in the top three percent of his company for firematic participation during his tenure, Rohde said. He was also recognized for the number of emergency calls he answered to help those in need.
When his unit returned from Ground Zero after assisting in the rescue and recovery operations following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attack, Thomas was the first to welcome the volunteers back to the station and encourage them to go home to their families while he remained on duty.
We miss him very, very much, said Lt. Mary Carlson, of Rescue Company No. 5. He had a wonderful outlook. He was an incredible man.
The level of respect so many in East Meadow had for Thomas was evident in July, when scores upon scores of people turned out to pay their last respects at O-Shea Funeral Home, his widow said.
Thomas, who worked as an operating engineer for Local 138, worked well with his hands, she said. He could fix anything, she said.
Diagnosed with leukemia approximately a year ago, Thomas never let his illness get in the way of his duties with the fire department, Rohde said. He continued to drive the company ambulance up until the day he was admitted into the hospital.
Volunteer firefighters are indeed heroes in our communities and the Town of Hempstead is extremely grateful to each and every member of the local fire departments, Murray said. It-s a pleasure to have this opportunity to recognize Hempstead Town-s bravest.
