By Linda Delmonico-Prussen
Prior, a six-year member of the New York City Fire Department, was 28 at the time of his death.
With the melancholic sound of a single bagpipe, the procession of family members and fellow firefighters who had come to remember Prior headed down Harbor View Court in Bellmore, where he lived. Then, as if on cue, the rain ceased, umbrellas were closed, and the dedication ceremony began.
Harbor View Court became a sea of blue uniforms as Prior's brothers from the Bellmore and New York City fire departments filled the intersection. The firefighters stood in formation across the street from Bellmore's Engine 601, the truck named for Prior in September 2002. The crowd stood silently as Sister William Noreen Reilly, of St. Barnabas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church in Bellmore, gave a short invocation.
Kathleen Murray, the Town of Hempstead supervisor, opened the ceremony, calling Prior "a true American hero." She added, "Prior to September 11, people thought there were no modern heroes."
Murray recalled Prior's service to the community as a Bellmore firefighter. He had joined the department at age 14. He was also a Knights of Columbus member.
Town Councilwoman Angelina Cullin said, "Kevin grew up on this street, and it's only appropriate his name be forever tied to this road."
Nassau County Legislator David Denenberg said he was fortunate to have known Prior. "When he would smile, he would just light up the room," Denenberg said. "When I look at this sign, I'm going to remember Kevin. When you look at this sign, smile a bit."
Peter Schmalenberg, Bellmore Fire Department chief, said of Prior, "He loved what he did. His dedication to our department was phenomenal."
In the department, Prior rose to lieutenant and served as a trainer, and his expertise is sorely missed, said Schmalenberger. "There isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of him," the chief said.
Lt. Robert Chuisano, of the New York City Fire Department, was transferred to Special Operations Squad 252 in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, where Prior was already a member, in May 1998. Chuisano spoke of Prior's great compassion, and the comfort he offered before Sept. 11 when Chuisano lost a close friend.
Prior's mother, Marion, wondered aloud what her son would have thought about the street dedication. She said, "He'd be elbowing whoever he was with, saying, 'How about that? My street!'"
Marion Prior said she missed hearing the fire scanner that her son kept at home. And she spoke about the pride he felt in his career as a Bellmore volunteer and New York City professional firefighter. Firefighting "was his passion," she said. "He gave it his all."
The Rev. Peter Dooley, pastor of St. Barnbas, offered the closing benediction. Then, as the bagpipe played its final notes, the rain returned.
