A Family Legacy: Frank McBride's Brother Michael Will Fill His Post At the Transfer Station

NORTH FORK, NY - The Southold Town board voted Tuesday to keeping a job that belonged to Frank McBride in the family — by hiring his brother Michael to fill the post.

Frank McBride, beloved to the North Fork community, died tragically in March after his vehicle was hit by a Long Island Rail Road train.

Recently, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell said the board was considering hiring his brother Michael to fill his post at the town's transfer station on Cox Lane in Cutchogue.

Russell said earlier this week that McBride was one of a few candidates for the position. "We will discuss each of them and select on Tuesday," he said.

After discussion, the board voted unanimously to appoint McBride to the post.

"It was a tough choice between some excellent candidates. Mike has the experience and the attitude that will make him great addition to the workforce there," Russell said.

"The board interviewed all that applied and we felt Michael was the most qualified for the job. On the personal front, I think it is bittersweet for all," said Councilwoman Jill Doherty.

And, said Southold Town Councilman Jim Dinizio, "Michael was as qualified as any of the other qualified candidates. I have known his family for many years to be good workers and that is what the town needs."

The job is labor class so there is no need for a civil service exam and no pending list the town needs to hire from, Russell said; the only qualification is a high school diploma and a driver's license.

After McBride's death, the town had a delayed opening of the transfer station to allow his colleagues to attend his funeral.

"Frank was a stellar employee who will be deeply missed. He came to work each day with one goal — to help his coworkers, help the public and to do the best job he could. I won’t just miss him as his boss, I will miss him as one of the many, many residents that enjoyed seeing him at out transfer station every day," Russell said, after McBride's death.

McBride's legacy has left a deep impact on the North Fork: On Saturday, tears were flowing as the Cutchogue Fire Department paid the ultimate tribute to one of their own, naming Frank McBride 'Firefighter of the Year' at an annual installation dinner.

Hearts were broken in March when McBride, 35, lost his life too young after his pickup was struck by a Long Island Rail Road train on Elijah's Lane in Mattituck.

Chief William Brewer said McBride served with the Department for the past 17 years. "He dedicated his life to the department and to the community itself. He touched everyone so deeply, and we felt it was only appropriate to honor him and present him with this award," he said. "He will be deeply missed and his memory will carry on, with all of us."

The event was held at East Wind in Wading River, where everyone present remembered a hero and friend.

Firefighter Kathie Cibulski who was present said she was personally very touched. "It was very, very emotional. In a way it's too bad that it's after the fact. The whole floor was in tears."

She added that she was sitting at the table with McBride's brother Michael, who went up to accept the award.

There was an empty seat and McBride placed his brother's plaque on the chair for all to see and read; his cousin also set his favorite drink at the spot.

"We were all crying last night," Cibulski said. "It's so sad. Nobody can believe it. He was just such a sweet, sweet guy."

Of the award, she said, "It was very well deserved."

Russell, who also attended, said the moment was touching. "It was a very emotional moment and a fitting one for someone who clearly had the love and respect of the entire department."

"Frank meant a lot to us and the best way to honor his memory was by giving him the award this year," Brewer said.

Photo 1) Patch courtesy photo via Facebook. Photo 2) Michael McBride accepting his brother Frank's "Firefighter of the Year Award" Saturday.