Mineola Fire Department firefighter Stephen McCarthy was awarded the Town of Hempstead Firematic Service Award from Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray on Oct. 22.
McCarthy has served Mineola for m ore than 35 years. He started as one of the charter members of the Mineola Junior Fire Department in 1976. When he was old enough to serve as a firefighter, McCarthy chose to join Engine Company No. 3 in 1978. He soon completed the required training and proved himself to be a valued member of the company.
In 1980, McCarthy left the fire department to enlist in the U.S. Navy. As a submarine tender, McCarthy’s assignments took him all around the world. From the Mediterranean to Scotland and Germany, he enjoyed seeing the different countries.
However, McCarthy still longed for the brotherhood of the fire service. During his tour of duty, his firehouse friends kept him up to date on the events in the firehouse and he could not wait to return.
After 18 months of active duty, McCarthy hopped up onto the back step of a fire engine and has been there ever since.
He has a thirst for knowledge and can often be found at company drills, seminars and fire academy trainings. McCarthy is always eager to learn new things and does not mind getting his hands dirty.
When the pager goes off, he is always there. Despite working full time keeping the Village of East Hills safe, McCarthy consistently maintains one of the highest fire attendance records in the department.
When he is not training, McCarthy is maintaining the firehouse like it is his own home. McCarthy meticulously cleans the rigs and checks the equipment to ensure the company is ready to answer the next alarm. Back in quarters, he can often be found pitching in at fire prevention events as well. McCarthy enjoys demonstrating the equipment and providing tours of the apparatus to the local school groups.
His work ethic is unparalleled in the firehouse. A recent torrential rain storm that left a partial ceiling collapse inside the truck room of the firehouse exemplifies his duties.
It was early morning and McCarthy came into the firehouse and saw the damage. Younger members were not sure what to do and called the chief
Despite being a 35-year veteran, he immediately grabbed a mop and started cleaning up the tremendous mess. No one had to tell him, he always does the right thing.
The chief arrived and thanked McCarthy for cleaning up the mess.
“I wouldn’t want anyone to slip and get hurt,” McCarthy said.
The fire service is often described as a brotherhood or a family. McCarthy is a big brother who is always looking out for the rest of the family and making sure the house is in order, never looking for recognition and often working behind the scenes to get the job done.
