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Leg. Richberg Recognizes North Lindenhurst Firefighters forTheirService

Suffolk County Legislator Jason Richberg joined the North Lindenhurst Fire Department for its 64th annual Installation Dinner and Awards Ceremony on May 22, 2021.

The event celebrated outgoing leadership finishing their tenures and welcomed new leadership. Legislator Richberg presented proclamations to Firefighter John Maes for 45 years of service, and to former Chief Brian Gassen for 25 years of service. (From left): Legislator Jason Richberg, Legislator Kevin McCaffrey, Town of Babylon Councilman DuWayne Gregory, John Maes, his wife, Town of Babylon Councilman Terrence McSweeney and Town of Babylon Supervisor Rich Schaffer. - Fire News photo provided

Suffolk County Chiefs and Fire CoordinatorMeetings Resume

Aftermore than 15 months of being impacted by the Covid19 pandemic, operations at the Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services are beginning to transition back to a pre-pandemic routine in accordance to New York State health and safety protocols. Operations include in-person Active Chief Meetings and Deputy Fire CoordinatorMeetings. FRES CommissionerJohn Jordan and Deputy CommissionerPat Beckley recently resumed and attended more than 10 of these in-person meetings ranging from the West End to the East End. - Fire News story and photo courtesy Peter Guaraldi, SC FRES

Obituary Rescue Vehicles, Inc.’s Richard H. Partridge, Sr.

Richard H. Partridge, Sr., passed away on Sunday, June 6, 2021, with his family by his side after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was a proud veteran who loved his country and served in Korea during the Vietnam War. Richie, as he was known to many, was the founder of Rescue Vehicles, Inc. of Bohemia. He was also one of the founding members of Long Island Emergency Vehicles Technicians. He loved what he did and he continued to work from the hospital until his very last days.

Richie was a true family man and a great friend and was always there to listen or give advice. He had a love for cooking, Disney, cruising, and family holidays.

Richard is survived by his wife of over 50 years, the love of his life, Elizabeth Partridge; his daughter Jocelyn Brown and son-in-law Andrew; and his son, Richard H. Partridge, Jr., and his wife Angela; five grandchildren (Kayla, Courtney, Kai, Kole and Callie); as well as many friends.

- Fire News photos courtesy of Rescue Vehicles, Inc.

Page 120, Fire News, July 2021 Obituaries

Huntington Manor’s Louis Agiesta

The Huntington Manor Fire Department mourned the loss of ex-Chief and ex-Commissioner Louis Agiesta who answered his last alarm on April 14, 2021, at the age of 82.

Lou was a dedicated 53-year member of the department’s Hose Company 1. After serving his country in the United States Army as a paratrooper from 1958-1961, his desire to help others wasn’t complete and he decided to join Huntington Manor in 1968.

Lou rose to the rank of Lieutenant in the Hose Company from 1979-1980, and then Captain in 1981-1982. He advanced through the Assistant Chief ranks from 1983 to 1988, becoming Chief of the Department from 1990-1991. In 1990 Lou served on the Town of Huntington Fire Advisory Board and as President of the Town of Huntington Fire Chiefs Council.

Lou became a Fire Commissioner in 1995 and served through 2009. His desire to help brought him to the Fire Police, where he was their Lieutenant from 2008 to 2009, and Captain from 2010 to 2011.

Lou was the Grand Marshal at the annual Huntington Manor parade in 2017, and the department honored him at the 30th Annual Cops and Firemen Softball game in 2018 when he was recognized as the First Chief when the competition began. The games have raised over $125,000 for local charities since the first game was played in 1988.

Lou worked for Grumman Aerospace for 40 years and the Town of Huntington for 10 years. He always kept himself busy whether it was playing softball, competing on the drill team, advising the juniors or being home with his family. He always wanted the best for everyone and always had a smile.

Visitation and firematic services were held at A.L. Jacobsen Funeral Home with funeral services at St. Hugh of Lincoln Church. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery. - Fire News story and photo by Steve Silverman

Holtsville’s Hugh White

On June 15, 2021, the Holtsville Fire Department mourned the loss of exChief Hugh White. Firematic services were held at Holtsville Fire Headquarters on Waverly Avenue.

Hugh served as Chief of the Department in 1986 and 1987. - Fire News photo by Bryan Lopez; headshot courtesy of Holtsville FD

Obituaries

Westhampton Beach’s Richard Raynor

The Westhampton Beach Fire Department announced the passing of 45-year member Richard ‘Richie’Raynor on May 2, 2021.

The youngest of seven children born to Irene and Clarence Raynor, Richie was a 1964 graduate of Westhampton Beach High School. He joined the US Navy and served aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington.

After the Navy he attended the Franklin Institute and became a master electrician and started his business, Raynor Electric, which served eastern Long Island homeowners and businesses for more than 40 years.

Richie joined the Westhampton Beach Fire Department in 1976 and was an active member until his death. He was the department’s 1979 Firefighter of the Year and later rose through the officer ranks to become a Second Assistant Chief.

He is survived by his wife Kathy; his brother Milton Raynor; his two sons, Eli and Jake, who are both Westhampton Beach Fire Department members, and his grandson Luke. - Fire News photo courtesy Westhampton Beach FD

Wantagh’s Tom Adams

Ahearse carrying Tom ‘TA’Adams of Wantagh’s Engine 2 stopped in front of quarters on Monday, May 17, 2021.

TAwas a 59-year member of the department having joined on March 26, 1962. He passed away on May 12, 2021, after a long illness.

During his tenure he was Lieutenant of Engine 2, serving 1970 through 1972, Captain, serving 1972 through 1974 and again serving 1977 through 1978. He served as Company 2’s Vice President from 1992 through 1993, and also held the position of Financial Secretary. - Fire News photos by Harry Loud

Page 122, Fire News, July 2021 Obituary

Port Jefferson’s Frederick J. Gumbus

It is with deep regret the Port Jefferson Fire Department announced that 73-year member, ex-Captain of Hook and Ladder Company 1 and Honorary Chief Frederick J. Gumbus answered his last alarm on May 9, 2021.

Born on May 5, 1924, ex-Captain Gumbus was a WWII veteran, a retired LILCO employee and a beloved patriarch to his wonderful family. Gumbus was an aviation ordnance man in the Naval Air Force from 1943 to 1946 and served with Patrol Bomber Squadron VPB-118. The former tail gunner, who was known as ‘Pop’in the Port Jefferson Fire Department, served in the Pacific theater.

Pop was one of several great men that were role models and mentors to so many firefighters. His smile will always be remembered by everyone whose life he touched. Rest in Peace in the “back room” as you watch over us. - Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam

Obituary

Bayville’s Deacon Theodore Kolakowski

On Tuesday, May 11, 2021, the Bayville Fire Company laid to rest active member and Department Chaplain Deacon Theodore ‘Ted’ Kolakowski better known as 'Deacon Ted.' Deacon Ted passed away on May 4, 2021.

Aprominent figure in the 5th Battalion, in addition to Bayville, Deacon Ted served as Department Chaplain for the Locust Valley, Syosset, Sea Cliff, East Norwich, Glenwood and Glen Cove departments, and Glen Cove EMS and was a Chaplain for the Nassau County Council of Fire Chiefs.

Deacon Ted also served as a deacon for St. Gertrude’s Roman Catholic Church in Bayville where his funeral mass was held.

We wish to send our condolences to the Kolakowski family and the numerous departments and members affected by the loss of Deacon Ted. - Fire News photos by OverTheEdgePhotography.com

Page 124, Fire News, July 2021 Obituary

Manhasset-Lakeville’s Barry Robinson

On the morning of Monday, May 17, 2021, a funeral was held at St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church in Great Neck for Manhasset-Lakeville ex-Chief Barry Robinson who passed away on May 7, 2021.

Ex-Chief Robinson was a US Navy veteran who, after being honorably discharged, joined the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department where he was assigned to Company 4. He rose through the ranks on both a company and department level and served as the Chief of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department from 1985 through 1987.

Despite becoming a bilateral amputee ex-Chief Robinson remained active in the department and was a part of several associations and organizations after his time in the chief’s office.

Visitation took place on May 15 and May 16 at the quarters of Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Company 4. Department services were held on Sunday night and saw a welldeserved turnout from the MLFD and many other departments. Interment took place at All Saints Cemetery.

Ex-Chief Robinson leaves behind his wife Patricia, daughters Jessica and Amanda, grandson James and many other family members and friends.

- Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com

Memorial Service Editor/Firefighter Janet Kimmerly Remembered

On the night of May 11, 2021, a life remembrance and memorial service was held at the quarters of Port Washington Protection Engine Company 1 for Janet Kimmerly, a 32-year active member and five-year associate member of the company, who passed away last month.

Janet was the first female member of Protection Engine Company (PECO) and the first female member of any Port Washington Fire Department line company. Following her father George Kimmerly, she was a second-generation member of PECO and served as recording secretary for decades. Janet Kimmerly was perhaps most well known for her time spent as the Editor of the WNYF/FDNY Magazine as well as the Editor-in-Chief for Firehouse Magazine. At her Tuesday evening memorial service members of the Port Washington Fire Department along with members of the FDNY(active and retired) spoke of her and how greatly she would be missed. - Fire News photos by K2MPhotography.com