Valley Stream fire chiefs installed for second year

Valley Stream Fire Chief Joseph Fernandez began his second year leading the volunteer department on May 7. More than 400 people turned out for the fire department’s 113th annual installation dinner at Chateau Briand in Carle Place.

Fernandez, who took over as the department’s chief last year, was sworn in by former mayor and local Republican leader John DeGrace. Fernandez presided over one of the department’s busiest years in recent memory, with major fires at the Inatome Japanese Steakhouse and Seafood restaurant on Fifth Street in October, and at IHOP on Sunrise Highway in January. The department also responded to nearly a dozen other residential and commercial fires in the past 12 months.

John Beck Jr. began his second year as the department’s first assistant chief, and Charles Brocher continues as the second assistant chief. Gary Shaw was sworn in as the department’s delegate to the Third Battalion of Nassau County fire departments.

Additionally, Shaw was named an honorary fire chief along with George Fulkerson, Edward Roth Sr., Ken Duffy and William St. George. Officers and wardens from the department’s seven companies were also sworn in.

The department honored its members who have died in the past year including ex-chiefs William Howley Jr. and Richard Kaufman, Lt. Philip Clemens, honorary chief and former Mayor Ed Cahill and Kitty Kupfer of the Ladies Auxiliary.

This year, Nassau Hose Company No. 1, which responds with Engine 341 from the department’s headquarters on Rockaway Parkway, is celebrating its 100th anniversary.