On Friday October 6, 2023 the RVC American Legion "Law & Order" Award Ceremony was held to honor our local first responders.  At this ceremony, 2 awards are given to deserving members of the Rockville Centre Fire  Department for their service in the areas of Firefighing and EMS.

Congratulations to the 2023 recipient of the EMS award,

Honorary Chief James McCarthy.

After graduating Niagara University, James McCarthy was sworn in by the Rockville Centre Fire Department on November 20, 1962.

Shortly thereafter, Jim was called to serve his country. From 1963 to 1965 he served honorably in the Panama Canal Zone with the Adjutant General Corp. Upon his discharge, Jim resumed his activity in the Fire Department.

On the Company level Jim has served on most Company committees to include: food and beverage, membership, and insurance. Presently he serves as chairman of both Audit and Membership committees. Jim has also co-chaired the Alert 100^th Anniversary committee in 1995. To further serve Alert Engine Co. No. 2, Jim served as Company treasurer and Warden for over 10 years. In his 61 years of membership, Jim has consistently met the requirements to be in “Good Standing” and achieved LOSAP points annually. He maintains a top ten call percentage within the Company.

In addition to serving as Warden and treasurer, Jim has also held positions on the Department level. Jim has been active in attending parades over the past six decades, as well as serving in the color guard for over five years. In the 70’s and 80’s Jim served as President of the Benevolent Association and co-chaired many positions. He was instrumental in revamping the finances of the association. In 2010 the Fire Council bestowed the distinguished title of Honorary Chief to Jim, a rank he wears proudly.

Outside the Fire Department Jim also served the community in many functions. In the 80’s he served on the Rockville Centre Zoning Board. Jim served four years as chairman of the Zoning Board, as well as Chairman of the Mercy Ball in 1987.

With deep appreciation and pride, we present James J. McCarthy and thank you to the Legion for this high recognition.

On Friday October 6, 2023 the RVC American Legion "Law & Order" Award Ceremony was held to honor our local first responders.  At this ceremony, 2 awards are given to deserving members of the Rockville Centre Fire Department for their service in the areas of Firefighing and EMS.

Congratulations to the 2023 recipient of the EMS award,

Mayor Francis X. Murray.

Francis X Murray first joined Floodlight Rescue Company #1 in December, 1972, continuing his long-standing family tradition of service. Upon joining the Department Fran worked above and beyond the requirements of membership by becoming a New York State certified emergency medical technician, Firefighter 1, as well as obtaining numerous FEMA certifications and water rescue training. He became a valued and respected member of Floodlight, maintaining one of the highest call volumes, often several hundred calls per year. For many years Mayor Murray was one of our most active daytime chauffeurs and continues to be one of our top chauffeurs. Fran also helped to create a friendly comradery within the membership including serving on several Department and Company committees. His dedication to the Department and the Village residents is also exemplified by the lifesaving awards he has received throughout his 50-year career.

When the next call to service came Fran stepped up for the Department and the Village when he ran for Mayor, continuing a long-standing family tradition. He currently holds the position of Mayor of the Village and continues to serve in Floodlight Rescue Company No. 1 and is ready to help the Fire Department in any capacity. Mayor Murray proudly represented the Village and Department as President of the New York State Conference of Mayors. He is also a past President of the Friends of Mercy and served on the Board of Trustees for Mercy Hospital.

With great pleasure and high regard, we present Mayor Francis X Murray and thank you to the Legion for this high recognition.