On Saturday, March 28, the Port Washington Fire Department and the Protection Engine Co. No. 1 honored Harold “Porky” Poole and celebrated with him on reaching his 75th year of service to the department and the community. It is an achievement that no other member of the Protection Engine Company has attained. And, it is likely that his tenure as an active member has never been equaled by anyone who has served in the Port Washington Fire Department.
Poole was elected to membership in September of 1940. A short six months after his entry into the fire company, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. During World War II, he was primarily stationed in the Mediterranean as a Boatswain’s Mate on an LST (landing craft) and was involved with the major landings at Corsica, Anzio, the Elbe River, and southern France.
Less than a year after returning to civilian life, and the fire company, Harold was elected Second Assistant Foreman for 1947, First Assistant Foreman for 1948, and then Foreman for 1949 and 1950 (the title of “Foreman” was changed to “Captain” in later years). He continued an active role in fighting fires for many years thereafter.
He did not limit himself to just firefighting. He was an integral part of the fire company’s “Rangers” competition drill team where he participated at many different positions, including nozzle, hydrant, buckets and as a “footer” in ladder events. He was a member of the 1946 Nassau County championship team.
Poole was a member of Protection’s softball team, playing the outfield in both the town and the 8th Fire Battalion softball leagues.
He also served the fire company as a member of the 75th and 100th anniversary committees, the entertainment committee, and the grave committee and was one of the founders of the Port Washington Fire Department blood bank.
He has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Port Washington Fire Department, a delegate to the Nassau County Firemen’s Association and New York State Firemen’s Association, and, each year, participated in the state association’s annual legislative clearing house.
Along with being an active member of Protection for 75 years, Poole has been a member of the Port Washington Exempt Firemen’s Benevolent Association for over 70 years. He has been a constant presence at the firehouse for 75 years and has taught many members by his example. The Fire Department thanks him for helping to protect our country and community, for giving so much of his time and energy to Port Washington Fire Department and the Protection Engine Co. No. 1, and for being a friend throughout.
