The East Farmingdale Fire Department (EFFD) on Sunday unveiled a new ladder truck, the first to be purchased in three decades, and dedicated it to the memory of a highly esteemed longtime member who is deceased.

The historic occasion for the volunteer fire company was marked by a symbolic baptism, in which the 105-foot aerial platform ladder truck was sprayed with water as it paraded down Conklin Street, and an outpouring of emotion for Ernie Kaufold, the deceased member for whom the new vehicle is named.

Kaufold, who served with the department from the late 1960s to late 1990s, died in September, 1997. He was described in remarks by his son, ex-chief Robert Kaufold, and current Chief Charles Crimi, as one who cared deeply about his fellow firefighters and was constantly concerned with their safety.

"Ernie's dedication and devotion was a tremendous asset to this fire company," said Chief Crimi, adding that especially during his later years of service, "He was one of the well-respected members of this company."

Kaufold joined the East Farmingdale Fire Department in 1967, rising through the ranks until he ultimately became Fire Police Captain. Prior to joining the East Farmingdale department, he also served with the North Massapequa Fire Department for three years.

During his early years with the EFFD, Kaufold was an innovator, noted Crimi. He invented an early version of a portable deck gun, a device which sits atop the fire truck and sprays water, and developed the water curtain, a firefighting method which entails spraying up a stream of water to protect firefighters and equipment, according to Crimi.

Ernie's son Robert recalled a man of great character. "He was a man of extraordinary sincerity, honesty and caring. But most of all, he was a man of great common sense," he said, also describing him as a dedicated chauffeur who respected the honor of the ladder truck. "He took great personal pride in being near the ladder truck."

The dedication ceremony also featured blessings on the truck by clergy from St. Thomas' Episcopal Church and St. Kilian's Roman Catholic Church in Farmingdale, as well as the breaking of a champagne bottle over the new vehicle.

Several members of Ernie Kaufold's family were at the event, with many traveling from around the country to attend. "It was such a great honor, and I appreciate it very much - all of my family, and myself," said Lillian Kaufold, Ernie's wife of 50 years. "It was a very nice tribute to be paid to his memory."

Established in 1926, the East Farmingdale Fire Department covers 16 square miles, much of it comprising industrial and business areas, and responds to about 1800 fire and rescue alarms annually. It is composed of 175 volunteer members and 23 trucks.

The new ladder truck, which weighs 60,000 lbs., is capable of reaching a 10-story building and pumping 2,000 gallons of water per minute. It replaces one that was 30 years old, and due to being worn out, did not meet today's Nassau Fire Protection Standards. According to Crimi, its purchase was aimed at giving the community and its firefighters greater protection.

That greater protection seems to be something the man to whom it is dedicated would support.

Even in Ernie's later years as member, when his fight with cancer prevented him from being an active firefighter, the welfare of his comrades was constantly on his mind, according to his son, Bob.

"His heart was with you on every single run," Bob told the crowd of firefighters, noting that his father spent hours listening for fire calls on his radio scanner at home. "He would be concerned for you, and listening to you."