On September 8, the Plainview Fire Department lost a very dear friend, ex-Chief Ed Ocker. He was 90 years old. Ex-Chief Ocker joined the department on January 1, 1940 and proudly served his community until his passing last Tuesday. He rose to the rank of Chief in 1949 and held that position until 1951. He was also a charter member of the 9th Battalion Chief’s Council. For 50 of his almost 70 years of service, ex-Chief Ocker gave the children of the department’s members tremendous joy as their Santa Claus at the annual Children’s Christmas Party, inheriting that task from his father Anton. Afterward, he would then go across the street to Central General Hospital where he would visit the pediatric unit to spread some holiday cheer.
In addition to the fire department, ex-Chief Ocker proudly served his country as a member of the Army Air Corps during WWII. He was then employed by the County of Nassau Parks and Recreation as the assistant to the Deputy Commissioner from March 1971 through November 1971 at which time he was promoted to Deputy Commissioner. He remained in that capacity until his retirement in 1990.
The Town of Oyster Bay was also proud to have him serve as Town Councilman from January 1, 1958 through March 25, 1971.
The Plainview Fire Department extends its deepest condolences to his wife of 65 years, Ann and to his children and grandchildren.
