Hicksville Firefighter Honored For 50 Years Of Service: PHOTOS

HICKSVILLE, NY — A former Hicksville fire captain and U.S. Navy veteran has been recognized for his five decades of active service.

A special recognition dinner was held Saturday for Jerry Nolan, who has served with Hicksivlle Fire Department Emergency Company 5 and the Hicksville Fire Department. Over the last 126 years, only 46members have reached the 50-year member milestone, and Nolan became just the ninth within Emergency Company 5 to achieve the honor.

Nolan began his volunteer career in October 1969 with Emergency Company 5. Shortly after leaving probation, he joined the military with the U.S. Navy assigned to the USS William R. Rush. Nolan was discharged from active duty in October 1972 and remained on reserve for another three years.

Nolan was appointed to serve as 2nd lieutenant in 1972 and was elected to his own term the following year. He served as 1st lieutenant until 1976, was elected as the 37th captain of Emergency Company 5 and was then re-elected in 1977.

As captain, Nolan spearheaded efforts to recruit new members, focusing on increasing manpower and response by adding 33 members to the ranks.

Shortly after leaving office as captain, Nolan replaced longtime treasurer and former Chief Harry Borley. He's held the position for more than 40 years, and continues to do so.

Nolan was also elected to serve as secretary to the exempt Firefighter's Benevolent Association — a position he has held for more than 30 years — and joined the Fire Police in 1994, being elected as a 2nd lieutenant in 2001-02, 1st lieutenant in 2003-04 captain in 2005- 06.

Among his other accomplishments: starting the Parade Refreshment Committee in the 1970s cooking for parade marchers; serving on the Memorial Day Flag Committee, placing flags at hundreds of grave sites; serving as chair of the Audit and Finance Committee to provide financial oversight for the department; and even serving as "Chief Bug" for the now-disbanded Bughouse Hose Company 1. The group, known as the "Bugs," tries to promote friendly and fraternal relations among volunteer firefighters in the state, and Nolan previously lead them through the streets of Mineola in nothing but a wood barrel.

Over the years, Nolan actively played on the fire department's softball, bowling and Hicks Racing teams, and even found time to serve on the board of trustees with the Elks Club and as president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Men's Auxiliary.

At the dinner, officers from Company 5, gave presentations, as well as the chiefs office and commissioners, Firemen's Association of the State of New York, South Shore and Nassau County Fireman's Association and the State Fire Police Association.

Below is a photo roundup of the event.