Some 2,601 residents of the Hicksville Fire District came out Jan. 25 to cast their vote in a runoff election for fire commissioner. At this time, Bob Manson was elected Hicksville fire commissioner. Manson, who received 1,410 votes, defeated incumbent Bobby Dwyer, who received 1,191 votes. The runoff election was necessary after the Dec. 13 election resulted in a tie between the two candidates with 871 votes each for a total voter turnout of 1,742. Some 859 more votes cast in Wednesday's runoff election than back in December, resulting in a nearly 50 percent increase.

Manson, who retired as a four-star chief with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) where he served as a chief officer for 22 of his nearly 40-year career, said that, as fire commissioner, he will work to establish a liaison with the Hicksville community through the various community groups; closely examine and evaluate all future fire district budgets; use his FDNY experience to ensure all necessary funding for the safety of firefighters and residents is always provided; and apply his administrative experience to eliminate unnecessary spending.

"I want to thank all the people who came out, even those who voted for [Bobby] Dwyer. It showed a lot of community interest and spirit," said Manson. "Now that I am elected, I intend to keep my word to not only keep our firemen and residents safe but, if possible and where possible, eliminate any unnecessary spending in the next budget and all future budgets."

Dwyer, an active 33-year member of the Hicksville Fire Department who served as a fire commissioner for the past 15 years, said, "I am very pleased with the campaign I ran and thankful for the tremendous support I received from throughout the community. I am especially grateful to my family and friends for volunteering their time and energy on my behalf." He added that between the two elections, it was "a nice feeling to know that I received more than 2,000 votes from my Hicksville neighbors." "Now it's time to put all this behind us and work together in the best interest of the community," said Dwyer.

Manson signed the oath of office the morning of Jan. 26. His term as commissioner begins immediately.

"I love the fire services. It's in my blood and I am glad to be back in it," said Manson.