Hempstead Town Renames Street For Fallen Firefighter

Hempstead Town Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney was joined by Councilman Anthony D’Esposito, Supervisor Laura Gillen and family, friends and colleagues of a Point Lookout/Lido Fire Department captain who died in the line of duty in ceremony over the weekend dedicating Lido Boulevard in Point Lookout as “George Grant Boulevard.” The sign dedicating the roadway to the firefighter was placed at the corner of Lido Boulevard and Hewlett Avenue on what would have been his 63rd birthday.

George Grant moved to Point Lookout at the age of 10 and immediately became fascinated by fire trucks and loved to watch them go out on calls. As soon as he turned 18, he applied to join the Point Lookout/Lido Fire Department and was sworn in just two days after his 18th birthday.

“When you look around neighborhoods like this and others across our nation, it is easy to take for granted the safety and security we enjoy,” said King Sweeney. “Our families can go to sleep at night, knowing that volunteer firefighters are there to respond to home fires, car accidents and other emergencies.”

George quickly moved up the ranks in the fire department and was promoted to Captain in 1979. On March 1, 1980, the Point Lookout-Lido Fire Department, including Grant, responded to a house fire call on Bellmore Avenue. They had begun an aggressive interior attack of the fire when the chief ordered all the firefighters out of the building. Grant was overseeing the removal of the interior attack line when the building collapsed, trapping Grant and another firefighter at the front and two firefighters in the back. The other three were able to get out safely but Captain Grant succumbed to his injuries shortly after being rescued from the rubble.

“As a former fire chief of a neighboring fire department, Captain Grant’s story is one that touches me deeply,” said D’Esposito. “We all hope to never be in that situation of having to rescue one of our own, but our firefighters take a risk every time they answer a call. Captain Grant made the ultimate sacrifice protecting his community.”

Many members of the Point Lookout/Lido Fire Department and community members were in attendance at the dedication ceremony. Several members of the Point Lookout Lido Fire Department and of George’s family shared their reflections on the brave hero.

“Heroes like Captain George Grant should never be forgotten and this dedication ceremony will ensure that his name lives on forever in Point Lookout,” concluded King Sweeney.

Photos courtesy Town of Hempstead