Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro, a trustee on the Williston Park village board, was awarded by the Building Inspectors Association of Nassau County, according to a March 13 press release.
The organization honored Uttaro for “dedication and service have directly enhanced the safety, preparedness and resilience of our communities” in the realms of code enforcement, fire prevention education, and leadership in emergency preparedness and disaster response, according to the release.
Uttaro, originally from New Hyde Park, said he’s been working with the organization for more than 20 years and occasionally teaches classes for them.
“When I was approached by Stephen Haramis [association president] that they were going to honor me, it was quite humbling. It was a feeling of accomplishment,” he said. “I appreciate the fact that they’ve noticed and appreciated what I’ve done, and how I’ve worked for them.”
He said individual accomplishments shouldn’t overshadow what can be done together as a team.
The Building Inspectors Association of Nassau County is a professional organization that hosts educational classes and conferences on code enforcement and development. Its website says it promotes the free exchange of information related to building and supports up-and-coming professionals.
He said he joined the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, Company 5, in North New Hyde Park in 1989, as soon as he was old enough. He said he’s always been enamored with the fire department’s work.
“Its hard to describe, you’re responding to people on their worst day,” he said. “They’re calling upon you to help them. It’s always rewarding, even after 38 years, it’s still rewarding today.”
Uttaro said he served as the chief of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department from 2001 until 2010. He has been the county’s chief fire marshal since 2021.
He said he’s served on the Williston Park village board since 2010, and has lived in the village since 2000, after he got married. He said the village is a welcoming and great community.
“He’s been a great asset to the board,” Williston Park Mayor Paul Ehrbar said. “Mike is a busy guy, as the chief fire marshal, and yet he still finds time to volunteer here for the village.”
“With the political environment we live in, with the negativity and bashing everyone, I still believe in solutions. I still believe in trying to do good things, to help people,” Uttaro said, adding that he ran for trustee hoping to build the community and contribute ideas for positive change.
Uttaro, 54, said he hopes to continue his work as chief fire marshal for many more years and continue contributing to the volunteer fire service. He said he is looking forward to future leadership keeping the two institutions going.
“I’ve had many mentors in my life. I’ve had people who encouraged me and supported me and taught me to be a better person and role model,” he said. “I’m hoping to do that for the new generation of people, so that the volunteer service can continue to thrive with good leadership.”
