Huntington Manor FD Mourns Ex-Chief Charles Hoffmann
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The Huntington Manor Fire Department mourned the loss of Ex-Chief Charles Emil Hoffmann, 56, on September 24, 2011. Family, friends, and fellow firefighters gathered for a well-attended memorial service at Huntington Manor headquarters on October 1, 2011.
Charles "Charlie" Hoffmann was born in Flushing, New York on October 6, 1954. At the young age of three, his parents moved to Huntington Station. Charlie was a proud young man who served his country in the United States Marine Corps. On January 29, 1977, he married Candy Agnieszka. Soon after, he started his family with Candy and their daughter Tara. One of the happiest days of Charlie's life was the day his son Jon Albert Hoffmann was born on July 7, 1979.
With firefighting in his blood from his ancestors who were also firefighters, Charlie entered the Cold Spring Harbor FD in 1980. On January 7, 1982, Charlie proudly joined the Huntington Manor FD. As a young and dedicated firefighter, he attended lots of trainings and responded to every call he could. A key point in Charlie's firefighting career came during the early evening in June of 1985, when Huntington Manor was dispatched for a house fire on New York Avenue and Second Street. Charlie's quick thinking and bravery came to light when he found and rescued a girl from the burning house. Later that year, Charlie was presented with the prestigious Medal of Valor for his efforts.
Charlie's drive for excellence continued as he took on a leadership role by becoming Hose Company Lieuten-ant in 1990. Progressing through the ranks, he went on to become Captain in 1992 and then Third Assistant Chief in 1994. As a First Assistant Chief in 1999, Charlie faced one of his first major challenges as an officer in May of that year. Huntington Manor handled a fire on West Hills Road where there were multiple fatalities that evening. Charlie was instrumental in making sure his men were recognized for their efforts by being one of the main driving forces in issuing a Unit Citation Award to every member that responded to that incident.
With having a desire to take on more responsibility, Charlie became the President of the Town of Huntington Fire Chiefs' Council in 1998. In December of 1999, Charles E. Hoffmann was elected as Chief of the Department. A true leader in the fullest meaning of the word, Charlie led his men in the best of times and in the worst of times. As Chief, Charlie handled the Kleet Lumber yard fire which was one of the largest fires in Huntington Manor's history. Charlie also led the forces in a rescue/recovery effort when a man fell into a cesspool on Hunters Lane.
One of the most memorable incidents was Charlie's leadership during the events of September 11. Charlie remained steadfast despite being notified that Hunting-ton Manor lost one of their own, Assistant Chief Peter Nelson who was working at FDNY Rescue Co. 4.
Some of the other things that Charlie was instrumental in taking care of were cooking turkeys at the firehouse on the night before Thanksgiving. He would then give them to St. Hugh of Lincoln Church to serve the less fortunate residents in Huntington.
Charlie loved spending time with the brothers, hanging out and listening to and telling stories of days gone by. After a meeting, Charlie would be found in the back of the room making sure that the firefighters knew the meaning of dedication, honor and tradition. Charlie, who was also known as "The Colonel," will be greatly missed.
- Fire News photo by Steve Silverman
E. Northport Ex-Chief Chester W. Senig, 94, Mourned
Family, friends, and fellow firefighters mourned the loss of Chester W. Senig, 94, a long time resident of East Northport and volunteer firefighter, who passed away on September 3, 2011. Chet was an active East Northport volunteer fireman for 58 years. During his service he held positions as First Assistant Chief, Financial Secretary and later served with the Fire Police.
Chet worked at Grumman Aerospace for 43 years. He held several positions during his career and eventually became manufacturing supervisor of Electron Beam Welding. Chet also participated in the Apollo Moon Program as manufacturing manager of the Lunar Excursion Module (LEM) Ascent stage.
Chet enjoyed a very active retirement. He was an avid fisherman his whole life and has fished from Alaska to Florida. Local boaters often saw him fishing from his boat on Long Island sound. Everyone enjoyed Chet's humorous wit and straightforward demeanor. All of his children and grandchildren were taught to fish as soon as they could hold a fishing rod.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Evelyn. He is survived by son Chester Senig Jr. and his wife Barbara; by his grandchildren Jaime, Scott and his wife Michele and his great-grandchildren Samantha, Lauren and Jack, Erin Schirota and her husband Jeffrey; and by daughter Virginia Bradley and her husband Stephen; grandchildren Michael, Robert Villemure and his wife Lynn and his great granddaughter Jessica. Denise Villemure, and her husband Michael Crow and great grandson Trevor and his dear friend Kay Fox.
The family received friends Tuesday, September 6, at Brueggemann Funeral Home, East Northport. Funeral services were held Wednesday, September 7, at Trinity Episcopal Church, Northport, with Interment following at Genola Rural Cemetery, East Northport. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to East Northport Fire Department or Visiting Nurse Service & Hospice of Suffolk, Inc. in Chet's memory.
- Fire News photo by Steve Silverman
Bethpage Remembers a Brother
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Firefighter Ronald Galante joined the Bethpage Fire Department in January of 1973 and was assigned to Ladder Company 3. Ronnie worked evenings at Garden City Bowl and then Grumman's, which allowed him to respond to day time alarms. Whether it was a fire or rescue call you could count on that Blue Chrysler coming down Broadway with that big blue light on the roof. Ronnie was a chauffeur of the old Maxim ladder truck and a good tiller man. Ronnie was an original member of the Fire Police unit and had climbed the ranks from Second Lieutenant to Captain of the unit, twice.
Back in the day Ron was a very active member of this department. Ronnie still tried to be as active as he could after two heart surgeries. He still answered calls to protect the guys on the fire scene as a member of fire police unit. Ronnie loved his family. A day did not go by without Ronnie talking about Marge and the kids. Ronnie and his wife Margaret have been married 42 years and have raised three children Ronald, Jr., Michael and Christine whom are all married and they have six grandchildren. In 1977, the Bethpage Fire Department recognized Ron with an outstanding award for his actions at a fully involved car fire. In 1987, an FDNY lieutenant passed away from our town and Ron was recognized by FDNY for his involvement with assisting in organizing this officer's funeral.
He was a dedicated fireman and family man and an avid Mets fan. He respected everyone! Everyone around him respected him. He was funny, generous and caring man and never left home without his suspenders and his patent leather shoes! Let's just say everyone loved him! On behalf of the Bethpage Fire Department, our condolences go out to the entire Galante Family. Ron, God bless you and may you rest in peace brother!
-Fire News photos by Kevin Imm