Former Hewlett chief elected NCFA president

A 44-year member of the Hewlett Fire Department and former chief was elected to serve the one-year term as president of the Nassau County Firemen’s Association.
Otto Kohlmier Jr., 62, of Valley Stream, was sworn in at the 111th annual meeting and installation of officers for the NCFA on June 4. As the new president, Kohlmier also participated in the Nassau County Fire Departments’ parade in Hicksville on July 12 that included drills and firefighters in full dress uniform.
“To become president of the NCFA, I first became a volunteer with the Hewlett Fire Department,” he said. “Then I joined the NCFA. I got on some committees, attended meetings, and got to know the guys. I was asked by the former president of NCFA to run for my current position.”
Kohlmier joined Hewlett’s department in 1970 and was assigned to Engine Company Number Two. He was president of the Hewlett Exempt and Benevolent Association from 1994-2006, chief of department from 2007-2009, president of the department 2011-2013 and president of the Fire Chiefs Council of Nassau County last year.
Under his leadership, Kohlmier said he hopes to maintain and improve the fire service of Nassau County. “I want to make sure NCFA members are safe,” he said. “I want to make sure laws are passed to maintain safety as well as stop laws that are harmful to us. I also aim to keep the camaraderie among firefighters as high as possible.”
A Nassau County police officer for nearly 30 years, he retired in 2002 to run his family’s business, Otto Kohlmier & Sons Home Improvements. Kohlmier and his wife, Donna, have been married for 35 years and have four sons — three are married — and two grandchildren. Three of Kohlmier’s sons are also involved in the fire department. His son, Bryan, is Hewlett’s second deputy chief.