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Overcast Carrigan honored for 50 years of service
Former East Rockaway mayor, fire chief recognized
Diligent, dedicated and devoted are words often used to describe Joseph Carrigan, former East Rockaway mayor and ex-chief of the village Fire Department. Over the years, the 78-year-old East Rockaway native has donned many hats and taken on many roles to serve his community.
On Oct. 17, Carrigan was recognized for his new role as honorary commissioner of the Fire Department and his 50 years of service with an anniversary reception at the Main Street Firehouse.
The celebration was a testament not only to Carrigan’s work with the department, but his longtime commitment to the community, according to Christopher Shelton, a fellow department ex-chief. Carrigan’s family and friends, along with several local elected officials, gathered to honor him, and he was clearly moved.
“It’s a great honor,” Carrigan said. “I am still amazed that I have been in the Fire Department for 50 years. I cannot remember where the time went … I knew it was coming, but to this extent and the amount of people there was something I will never forget.”
Carrigan, 78, has amassed a rich personal history thanks to perseverance and hard work. Before enlisting in the Navy in 1951, he worked for the U.S. Postal Service, and in 1964, after returning from active duty, he became East Rockaway’s postmaster. He spent nearly 40 years with the postal service.
In 1960 Carrigan joined the East Rockaway Fire Department. He became department chief and president in 1969-70, and for the past 15 years he has been a trustee of the Exempt Association.
“Joe is competent and qualified,” said Shelton, who has known Carrigan for about 45 years. “He is extremely professional in everything he does and a dedicated individual to the fire service and the community. … He always presents himself well. I think the world of him.”
After serving as a village trustee and deputy mayor, Carrigan was mayor from 2003 to 2007. He is a member of American Legion Post 958 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Robert F. Garrison Post 3350, in which he served as vice commander. He was instrumental in creating the Raider Youth Football program in 1971.
