Neighbors in the News

Longtime Lakeview firefighter honored by town officials

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Lakeview Fire Department Ex-Chief George Motschmann Jr. was among the firefighters to be honored during the Town of Hempstead’s Drive-Thru Firematic Awards Ceremony on Oct. 28.

Motschmann Jr. has served the department for 50 years, holding the ranks of lieutenant, company captain, assistant chief and chief. As chief, Motschmann Jr. was instrumental in increasing the probationary firefighters’ training period from six months to one year. He was the department’s first certified EMT in 1972, and first advanced EMT in 1975.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the postponement and cancellation of certain town programs and events,” Town Supervisor Don Clavin said in a news release, “but we knew we needed to find a way to recognize the firefighters, EMTs and emergency personnel who have gone above and beyond for our community during these difficult times. The Town of Hempstead is proud to host this first-in-the-nation Drive Thru Firematic Awards Ceremony to salute our township’s first responders in a safe, responsible yet exciting manner.”

Honorees were driven to the stage in their department’s fire trucks, and presented with Town of Hempstead Firematic Awards to a chorus of cheers, horns and sirens coming from fire trucks and vehicles filled with family and friends who looked on during the safe and socially distanced drive-in ceremony.

“I can think of no better way to mark Fire Prevention Month than by recognizing the heroic men and women of our local fire service,” Clavin said. “I congratulate all of today’s honorees and all of the fire departments for working with us to put together a safe and enjoyable Firematic Awards event.”

Courtesy Town of Hempstead; compiled by Nakeem Grant