Golf outing honors Ex-Chief Robert ‘Bubba’ Seaman

The Ex-Chief Robert “Bubba” Seaman Memorial Golf Outing, hosted by the Rockville Centre Fire Department, was held on Monday, Sept. 16 at the Inwood Country Club.

More than just a golf tournament, the annual event serves as a tribute to Seaman’s lasting impact on the community. Seaman, who died March 3, 2023, from a 9/11-related illness, was a cherished member of the department and a pillar in the Nassau County firefighting community.

Friends, family, and fellow firefighters hit the links to celebrate his dedication, bravery, and selflessness.

Jeff Greenfield, the golf committee co-chair, said this year’s event honored Seaman’s legacy by raising money to restore one of the department’s vintage fire trucks.

“The golf outing was a big success in memory of our beloved Ex-Chief Robert ‘Bubba’ Seaman and will help toward restoring his favorite 1937 Ahern-Fox antique fire truck,” Greenfield said.

Seaman’s legacy transcended his role as a firefighter. He was known for his dedication to mentoring younger firefighters, helping out his community, and supporting initiatives like the Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warriors.

“Bubba was more than just a leader,” said Captain Dominic Alesi of Live Oak Engine Company No. 1. “He was a friend, a mentor and someone who cared deeply about his community. His love for the fire department was well-known, but even more so was his love for family and friends. It’s fitting that we come together today on this beautiful course to celebrate Bubba’s legacy and the community spirit he always embodied.”

Seaman joined the fire department in June 1989, and over the course of his 34-year career, held various leadership roles, including serving as captain of Live Oak Engine Company No. 1 and, ultimately, chief of the Rockville Centre Fire Department from 2015 to 2017.

In the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, Seaman, like many of his Nassau County colleagues, contributed to rescue and recovery operations. This selfless act was a testament to his courage and commitment to service — qualities that defined his tenure with the department.

Seaman also worked as a sales manager at P.C. Richard and Son on Sunrise Highway for more than 25 years. He was a familiar face in the community and was always ready to lend a hand or share in conversation. Whether talking sports, especially about his beloved New York Mets, or discussing fire department matters, he was known for his approachable and friendly demeanor.

His untimely death at 57 was a great loss to both the fire department and the Rockville Centre community. The annual golf outing in his honor ensures that his memory and contributions will continue to inspire the community he served so faithfully.