How did the Malverne Fire Department honor William A. McLaughlin for his 50 years of service?

William A. McLaughlin’s name is widely known among the residents and elected leaders in Malverne — after all, he’s been responding to Fire Department calls in the village for 50 years.

The department headquarters, at 30 Broadway, was abuzz with excitement on Sept. 23, when McLaughlin was honored for his half-century of fire service to the community. Sworn in on Sept. 16, 1974, McLaughlin was celebrated last week by family members, friends and department colleagues, a crowd of around 60.

The ceremony began with remarks by Deputy Chief Kevin Garvey and was followed by a buffet dinner, with the guest of honor insisting that everyone eat before him.
McLaughlin has been on active duty for the past five decades, and as a sergeant, before he was promoted to captain, his responsibilities often kept him away from home and his understanding wife, Helen. They both joked that his time away from home probably helped their marriage, but his love of the job was apparent.

In addition to his involvement in the Fire Department, McLaughlin works for the Town of Hempstead’s Public Safety Department. “Maybe in two or three years I’ll retire,” he said. “No, even if I can’t walk, as long as I can ride the fire truck, I’m good.”

“He’s finally getting recognized for his achievements by his peers,” Helen said, adding that her husband “receiving his flowers” was long overdue.

McLaughlin said there were many reasons he chose to be a firefighter for what some would consider a lifetime.

“You meet people — it starts out as a social club and turns into a brotherhood,” he said. “I don’t remember names well, but I know that’s family. If you ever (have) a problem, they’re there for you.”

At last week’s celebration, he was presented with several citations, as well as a certificate from the State Senate, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, and a 50-year sleeve patch.

He was surrounded by proud family members, including his nephew Tommy Sussman, who served in the New York City Fire Department for 27 years.

“He was a big motivator for me,” Sussman said. “He helped train me for my physical exam. He coached me, gave me advice and, in a way, started my whole life career for me.”

Sussman’s 13-year-old daughter, Annie, also expressed pride in her great-uncle’s work.

“It’s an honor to have such an amazing uncle who has done so many good things for Malverne, and has dedicated so much of his life to it,” she said. “Fifty years is a long time.”
State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Malverne Mayor Tim Sullivan were also on hand for the celebration.

“I know Mr. McLaughlin not as a 50-year member of this department, but as someone who attended many of my basketball practices, yelling at me from the stands to throw a little better, check a little harder, run a little faster,” Sullivan recounted. “Mrs. McLaughlin was one of my den mothers when I was a Cub Scout in Pack 24,” he added of Helen.

In his remarks, Garvey described McLaughlin as more than just a firefighter.

“Bill took on various roles in the department,” Garvey said. “He competed on our Malverne Chipmunks Drill Team. He served on the Fire Council and was a member of the Fire Department Color Guard, as well as the Emergency Relief Squad. Billy was a member of the Nassau County Firefighters Holy Name Society, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York and the Nassau County Firemen’s Association. He served as lieutenant and captain, and is still fulfilling his calling as the latter.”