Lifelong Hicksville resident Bernard Medard Ofenloch, a fixture in the Hicksville Fire Department and community, passed away on Feb. 19. He was 86 years old.

In 1942, Mr. Ofenloch submitted an application for the Hicksville Fire Department and was accepted, making him a third generation fireman, and member of the department's Protection Hook and Ladder Co. #1. A year later, he was called to duty and served his country in World War II. When he returned in 1946, Mr. Ofenloch became immediately involved again in the department and, in 1947, was elected lieutenant and subsequently served as captain from 1949 to 1950.

Mr. Ofenloch's dedication to the department led to his election as assistant chief in 1954. He was instrumental in forming the Rescue Squad and obtaining Hicksville's first ambulance. It was during this same time that he served as president in the Exempts Benevolent Association, a position he held from 1954 to 1955.

In 1955, Mr. Ofenloch also witnessed the opening of two new firehouses, one on Briggs Street and another on Strong Street, as well as the formation of two fire companies, Hook and Ladder Co. #6 and Engine Co. #7. In 1957, Mr. Ofenloch was elected chief of department and held that top role until 1959 during which time he put his best efforts forward for what would become Hicksville's Annual Labor Day Parade and Drill. In 1963, Mr. Ofenloch was elected fire commissioner. During his tenure as commissioner, he remained active in the department and, in 1964, was appointed chairman of the Labor Day Parade and Drill. He served as Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman in 1967.

Mr. Ofenloch also served as captain of the "Hicks" Drill Team and was co-chair during the 100th anniversary celebration of Co. #1, which took place in 1968. He also officiated at most of the department's ceremonies, including the annual September 11 memorial service, leading the Pledge of Allegiance and benediction.

Mr. Ofenloch, a retired Nassau County Police Department employee, was the Second Precinct's first ambulance operator. He was a member of the New York State Fire Chiefs Association and the New York State Fireman's Association. In addition, he served as fire prevention committee chairman for the Southern New York Volunteer Firemen's Association. And, in his "spare time," Mr. Ofenloch was active in the Hicksville VFW, American Legion and a 4th Degree Grand Knight of the Joseph Barry Council.

Despite his own personal accomplishments within the fire department Mr. Ofenloch's proudest moment came when his son, Thomas, joined Hook and Ladder Co. #1 and became a fourth generation of Ofenloch men involved in the fire services.

At the time of death, Mr. Ofenloch was still active with the fire department having served and dedicated 66 years to the Hicksville community.

Mr. Ofenloch is survived by his wife of 60 years, Alice Mae (Apgar); children Cathleen Gensinger (Dennis), Patricia Longo (Vincent), Diane O'Brien (William), Thomas (Deborah), Carol Tranchina (John) and Eileen Pelcher (Charles); sisters Rita Schlosser, Bernadette Hoffman, Mercedes Quinn (John), Gwendolyn Murphy (William); sisters-in-law Audrey and Darlene Apgar; 20 grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; and dozens of nieces and nephews. Arrangements were handled by the Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home and a Mass of Christian Burial took place Friday, Feb. 22 at St. Ignatius Loyola Church followed by interment at Long Island National Cemetery.

Hicksville Fire Department 1st Assistant Chief Edward Korona contributed to this story.