Edward Eisemann, a 53-year member of the Hicksville Fire Department and the former branch manager of the Plainview Post Office, died late last week after a long fight against cancer.

Edward, who had served in the Navy during World War II, joined his father and uncle in the fire department when he was sworn into the department in 1947. His father, Carl Eisemann, and uncle, Joe Eisemann, served the department for 64 years and 55 years, respectively.

Edward became immediately involved in serving his company and the department on various committees and he became the secretary of Company 1 in 1953 and again in 1954. Ed was then elected as their 1st Lieutenant in 1955 and was subsequently elected as the 37th captain of Hook and Ladder Company 1 in 1957.

Edward became a member of the Hicksville Fire Department on the cusp of the population boom of the late 1940s and 1950s. During his term as captain, he witnessed the most progressive period of growth in the history of the Hicksville Fire Department and the Hicksville Community. Among others, the additions to the department included the organization of Engine Company 7, the creation of the Rescue Squad, and the erection of the department's two sub-stations.

Just after leaving office as captain, he went on to serve another year, as company secretary for Company 1. Ed was also a member of the "Hicks" Drill team and a former Exempts trustee for many years. Ed also served as the Exempts president in 1965-66.

As his father and uncle were honored before him, so too was Edward, when he was honored as an Honorary Chief of the Hicksville Fire Department in 1996 for his 50 years of service to the Hicksville community. He was only the 19th man to have served for as many years.

Of his years of service to the community, Edward's wife of 48 years, Veronica, said that his dedication was rooted in his being born and raised in Hicksville. She indicated that to him it was just part of his life in the community.

Edward, the son of the late Carl and Sophie Eisemann, is survived by his wife, Veronica; his daughter, Nancy, and her husband Pat Sabella; his son, Edward and his wife, Susan; his sister, Beverly Cavaganaro; and his grandchild, Alex.

He was laid to rest in Pinelawn National Cemetery on Sunday, Jan. 23. His family is asking that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to Nassau County Medical Center's Burn Center.