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Melville Firefighter Is Volunteer of the Year

[Source: Newsday | September 22, 2009]


Melville Fire Department Chief James Harrison (left) and Suffolk Legislator Lou D'Amaro (right) honor Robert J. Earley as the 17th Legislative District's 2009 Volunteer of the Year.

For his extraordinary service and commitment to the community, and in conjunction with the Suffolk County Legislature's annual Volunteer Recognition Program, Melville Fire Department member Robert J. Earley was named the 17th Legislative District's 2009 Volunteer of the Year.

Suffolk Legislator Lou D'Amaro surprised Earley with the honor at a special Proclamation ceremony just prior to the department's September 15 meeting. All members of the fire company were on hand to congratulate the 47-year department member.

"For nearly half a century, Robert Earley has given selflessly and tirelessly to the community and the residents of Suffolk," D'Amaro said. "He is a true neighborhood hero and an inspiration to his fellow department members. I am proud to honor him for his many years of service."

Trained as one of the company's original emergency medical technicians, Earley was instrumental in developing the Melville Fire Department Rescue Squad. He served as senior fire inspector, oversaw the upgrade and development of fire safety systems, and assisted in the review of building plans for the company's main station.

A former chief fire inspector for the Town of Huntington, he also served as president of the Fire Inspectors Association of Suffolk, New York State Fire Marshals and Inspectors Association, and the Fire Marshals Inspectors Association of North America.

To this day, even at 81 years old, Earley can be found responding to many alarms as the Fire Police Captain directing traffic away from the scene of auto accidents and fires.

Original Release

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