The Officers and members of Emergency Company 5 of the Hicksville Volunteer Fire Department are saddened to announce the passing of Ex-Captain Robert Perchinski on March 15.
Ex-Captain Robert Perchinski joined Emergency Company 5 in August of 1968 and became quickly involved in Company 5 and was elected as their secretary in 1971. The members recognized his leadership abilities and he was elected to serve as 2nd Lieutenant in 1972 and quickly rose through the ranks to become the 32nd captain to serve Company 5 in 1974, and again in 1975. It was during this period that Bob led the membership through some of the busiest times within the department and he took part in many notable Signal 10s.
After just eight short years, an injury forced Bob to become an honorary member of the department. However, Bob remained an active member in the Company by serving on many committees. He served as the Company 5 trustee in the Exempts Association for many years. It wasn’t until the new medical classifications in 1989 that allowed Bob to come back to active duty as a firefighter. This resurrected his career as a volunteer firefighter.
Bob immediately became involved by joining the newly created Fire Police Squad and would become their lieutenant in 1993. Four years later he was elected to serve a two-year term as their captain in 1997. Bob could often be found at Station 4 or driving the Fire Police vehicle to many alarms. He proudly responded to hundreds of alarms each year and was held in high regard by his fellow firefighters.
It was not just Bob’s ability to lead as an officer, but he had a passion to serve on many committees, such as the Department’s Annual Fund Drive.
He was a member of many firematic organizations, which included; FASNY, Nassau County Fire Police Association, Southern New York and the Nassau County Firemen’s Association.
Bob was retired from the Town of Oyster Bay.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife Margaret, and is the beloved father of Dorothy Tuttle (Edward), Christine Ledezma (Angel), Mary Ann Neglia (Steve), Eileen, and the late William and Barbara Jean. Dear brother of Joan Findley and the cherished grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of two. There was religious and firematic services held at Dalton Funeral Home and he was interred at Bronxville Cemetery.
