By Walter Weltner
This is the first time since 1932-1933 and only the third time since 1910 that a chief of department has served in that position for two years. Chief Petry served as second assistant chief in 2000 and first assistant chief in 2001.
First Assistant Chief Joseph Garofalo, a member of Rescue Company #1, was reelected to the position of first assistant chief.
Second Assistant Chief Brian Howley, a member of Hook & Ladder Company #1 was also reelected to the position of second assistant chief.
Walter Weltner Jr., a member of Engine Company #3 was reelected to a three-year term as delegate to the Third Battalion.
On April 1, the seven companies of the Valley Stream Fire Department each elected their new company captains, lieutenants and wardens as follows:
Engine Company #1, -David Ortiz-captain, Joseph Fernandez-lieutenant, James Murphy-warden; Engine Company #2, William Youngson Jr.-captain, Brian Ferrucci Jr.-lieutenant, William Croak Jr.-warden; Engine Company #3, Walter H. Weltner Jr.-captain, Thomas Vella-lieutenant, George Fulkerson-warden; Engine Company #4, Antonio Nuzzi-captain, William Alverez-lieutenant, Robert O'Brien-warden; Truck Company #1, Eugene O'Brien II-captain, Eugene O'Brien-lieutenant, Truck Company #2, Daniel Vecchione-captain, Ernest Bohringer-lieutenant, Eric Smith-warden; Rescue Company #1, Brian Ferrucci-captain, William Grace III-lieutenant, Michael Seltzer-warden.
The Company elections this year had some interesting results. For the first time in Valley Stream Fire Department history a father and son will be lieutenant and captain of the same company: Eugene O'Brien and Eugene O' Brien II, Hook & Ladder Company #1. A father will be captain of one company, Brian Ferrucci, Rescue Company #1, and his son, Brian Ferrucci Jr., Engine Company #2, a lieutenant of another company.
After the votes were tabulated and the results announced, chiefs Petry and the company officers and wardens were sworn into their newly elected positions by Mayor Edward Cahill and members of the village board.
Chief Joseph Garofalo had the honor of being sworn in to his new position by his father, former chief Joseph Garofalo, and Chief Brian Howley was sworn in by his father, former chief William Howley Jr. Formal swearing in will take place at the Annual Inspection on May 3.
