Famularo wins 2010 Firematic Award

One of Baldwin’s, if not the nation’s, longest-serving firefighters was presented with a 2010 Town of Hempstead Firematic Award on Oct. 21.

At a ceremony overseen by Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Dominick Famularo — who has served some 60 years with the Baldwin Fire Department — was among more than 30 firefighters and emergency responders who were recognized for their heroic deeds.

“Firefighters make significant sacrifices and put their lives on the line every day to protect people and their property,” said Murray. “What makes the activities of our talented honorees so compelling is the fact that they volunteer, giving of their personal time, to ensure that our residents are safe.”

According to a biography read at the event, Famularo’s award was particularly poignant, not just because of his decades-long commitment to the community, but also because “Dom,” as he is known, lost his wife, Mary, the weekend before the ceremony.

According to the biography, prepared by members of the Fire Department, Famularo, an expert mechanic, “keeps the Baldwin Fire Department running like a well-oiled machine.” The statement went on to describe how Famularo’s firefighting career began in 1951, when he joined the department’s Hose Company #3. An active member from the start, Famularo quickly rose through the department’s ranks, serving as second and first lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and, eventually, chief.

Famularo has been decorated numerous times for his service. He was named Fireman of the Year in 1976 and Nassau County Fireman of the Year in 1988, and received the Meritorious Service Award in 2001.

The biography called Famularo the “go-to guy” when problems developed with the department’s apparatus and praised his meticulous maintenance of one of the department’s most treasured pieces of equipment, a 1951 Ahrens Fox fire truck.

In addition to Famularo, more than 30 other firefighters were singled out for their courage and dedication to their communities. The following were presented with the town’s firematic medal for their distinguished service as volunteers:

n East Meadow Fire Department

Ex-Captain Robert Grigonis

n Elmont Fire Department

Ex-chief/Ex-Comm. Robert L. Conti