By John C. O'Connell
Looking sharp in their uniforms, firefighters and their guests applauded as their new chiefs and other officers were sworn in by Third Battalion Chairman Joseph Ruvolo, Mayor Edward W. Cahill, Trustees Richard Coffman and Joanne T. Antun, former chiefs William Howley, Jr. and William Grace, Jr.
Outgoing Chief William R. Croak enthusiastically praised all the department's members and wished them and their team of chiefs safety and pride.
"I had a great time and I would like to thank Chiefs Terry [P. O'Neill, 1999] and Jimmy [J. Murphy, 2000] for their leadership and guidance," Croak said. "Also thanks to Chief Rob [Petry] and Joey [Garofalo] for all their help and hard work.... To everyone, I am proud to have been given the chance to serve you as Chief of the Valley Stream Fire Department. [You are] second to none. Thank you for everything you have done."
Incoming Chief Robert J. Petry, First Assistant Chief Joseph P. Garofalo and Second Assistant Chief Brian W. Howley took command of the department for the current year.
"It is both an honor and a privilege to have been selected to lead our department for the next year," Chief Petry said. "With the help of Chief Garofalo and Chief Howley, the department will continue to move forward."
Chief Petry thanked Chief Croak for his years of service. "In addition, I extend the department's deepest appreciation to his family for allowing us to have Billy for the past three years."
Former chief Charles Parker moderated the evening's program, held at the Sands in Atlantic Beach.
The mayor, Assemblyman Robert Barra and Town of Hempstead Councilman James Darcy made presentations.
Special presentations were made to the department's long-time chaplain, Pastor Robert Howard, who is retiring this year.
Company captains for 2002 are Engine No. 1's Thomas Goetz, Engine 2's John Egan, Engine 3's Walter Weltner, Jr., Engine 4's Antonio Nuzzi, Hook & Ladder No. 1's Eugene O'Brien II, Hook & Ladder 2's Daniel Vecchione, and Rescue 1's Michael Field.
