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Fog/Mist North Merrick fire commissioner dies at age 64
“He’s been in the fire department for as long as I’ve been around,” Anthony Vicario said of his father, Joseph, a former chief and commissioner of the North Merrick Fire Department for 25 years.
Joseph Vicario was a pivotal leader in the department. He boosted team morale and camaraderie, and taught professional firefighting skills to more than one generation of firefighters, fellow members said.
On Dec. 4, Vicario died at age 64 of health complications linked to his response at ground zero after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He was a department commissioner — even attending virtual meetings while he was in treatment — since 2013.
If Vicario had been in good health, he would have liked to run for commissioner again, according to Anthony. Vicario was cremated on Dec. 8, the day residents cast their votes for the next North Merrick fire commissioner. His term was set to end in January.
“It was like his medicine — that was the only thing he was passionate about,” said Anthony, 24. “He always had to make sure he was doing the right thing.”
Vicario’s legacy will live on through his son, a first lieutenant who joined the department as soon as he turned 18. Vicario swore Anthony in as a first-time officer at the NMFD’s annual installation last year.
Speaking for the department, current North Merrick Fire Commissioner Paul Wilders said, “The Fire Department has suffered a tremendous loss. Joe leaves a void in our department in many facets — namely with leadership — because he was a former chief, commissioner and emergency medical technician, and a great friend to so many. He was the ultimate civil servant.”
The loss is felt personally by Wilders, too — he considered Vicario one of his best friends. Vicario also entrusted Wilders to be Anthony’s godfather.
Wilders was a department member before Vicario joined, and taught him the basics. As Vicario rose through the ranks, Wilders witnessed many of his “firsts,” including the first time Vicario led a battle against an active fire.
Wilders also witnessed Vicario serve at ground zero, where he spent four 12-hour tours. Wilders recalled “mass hysteria” as the team ran toward potential catastrophe, but said Vicario helped to keep the crew’s integrity intact.
“He was always driven by the ‘doing-the-right-thing’ gene,” Wilders said. “It made him an even better leader.”
Every year, Vicario donned a red and white jacket and hat and a big white beard to play Santa Claus, touring the community on the department’s engine. He was also a coach of the Bellmore-Merrick Little League, according to Wilders.
“He was just an overall great person to be around,” said Ryan Kelleher, 23, a North Merrick firefighter and a close friend of the Vicarios. “If you were ever feeling upset, he could always turn it around.”
“He instilled the family aspect,” Kelleher added. “He made sure we did things right.”
“He went with what he believed in, no matter what,” Anthony Vicario said, “and I’m going to continue moving up until I accomplish just about everything, too.”
A visitation for Vicario was held at the firehouse on Dec. 6 and 7. His funeral was held at Sacred Heart Church in Merrick on Dec. 8.
