By:STEVE GROGAN
When the Lynbrook fire companies were forming in the late 1800's and early 1900's, each of the these new fire companies also formed a company ladies auxiliary that supported the men by running dances and other fund-raisers. These were the wives and mothers of the volunteers. Monies these women raised were mainly used to help build and maintain their company's respective firehouse.
On March 24, 1953, after nearly fifty years of independence on the part of the individual companies, five women, one representing each of the then five fire companies in Lynbrook, got together and approached the Village of Lynbrook to form a department Ladies Auxiliary. At the time they approached then Lynbrook Village Attorney Charles Rothkopf, seeking to obtain a charter to form the organization that would be part of the Lynbrook Volunteer Fire Department. Shortly thereafter, New York State granted incorporation to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Lynbrook Fire Department and on April 8, 1953 they held their first department meeting. There were 53 charter members. Marie Hilms, whose husband belonged to Truck Company on Earle Avenue, was elected their first president.
A set of by-laws were written up and, although they have changed over the years, the main aim of the auxiliary is to "assist the Lynbrook Fire Department in achieving its goals of community service and to participate with the Lynbrook Fire Department in parades and other uniform functions."
Over the years the department's Ladies Auxiliary has held numerous fund-raisers allowing the auxiliary to purchase various items needed by the Lynbrook Fire Department. They have marched in many parades, amassing an impressive array of winning trophies. As most volunteers know, they have, at major fire scenes, served countless cups of hot coffee in the winter or water and soda during the warm weather to weary volunteers. And they continue today as in the past to assist the volunteers whenever called upon, day or night.
Today the Lynbrook Ladies Auxiliary has 38 members. Membership is open to any wife, mother, sister or daughter 18 years of age or older whose relative is a member in good standing of the Lynbrook Fire Department or the Junior Fire Department. Their present officers are: President Eileen Hynes; 1st Vice President Christine Agruso; 2nd Vice President Pat Pearsall; Secretary Peggy Michaud; Treasurer Mary Cash.
[BEGIN ITAL] Steve Grogan is ex-captain of the Lynbrook Fire Department.
