Monday, January 20, 2025
Fire Commissioner Chris Mollish of the Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department was re-elected on Dec. 10 to serve another five years after running unopposed.
“We’ve made great strides and improvements,” Mollish said. “All of the goals I set for my last term were achieved with the help of my fellow fire commissioners and chiefs. My hope for the future is to keep upgrading the department.”
Mollish, who has been a member of the department for 43 years, first ran for fire commissioner in 2019. Since then, he said, he’s helped make many improvements to the fire department.
With Mollish as a commissioner, the department received a new on-premise training department and a new 24/7-medic program. He also spearheaded a program to improve the department’s retention of volunteers and fire chiefs.
“We were running out of ambulance drivers because these guys were working two or three jobs just to pay their bills,” he said. “We changed that.”
Mollish said his plans for his upcoming term are to complete an extension on the firehouse with additional bays for their medics, purchase a new ambulance with a $450,000 grant they received and purchase a new fire police vehicle. He said the department has already ordered a new hook and ladder truck that will be delivered in summer 2026.
“Back when I was 18 years old, I wanted to become a fireman to help the community,” Mollish said. “Now that I’m semi-retired, I’m there for the guys. I do feel like I’m helping the community.”
His wife, Karen, is part of the department’s ladies’ auxiliary. “We always felt that the fire department was our family,” she said. “I am very proud of him.”
Mollish, who has lived in Franklin Square his entire life, said he remains involved in the community through his role in the fire department.
“I love this community,” he said. “It’s a tight knit community, and it’s holding strong.”
