Fritz E. Langdon, of Levittown, died on March 11, 2005. A lifelong resident of Levittown, he was a member of Local 138. Husband of Lucille. Father of Elwood (Linda) and Jeffrey (Margaret). Brother of Shirley. Grandfather of seven. Great-grandfather of three. The family was cared for by the Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home, Levittown Chapel. Interment St. Charles Cemetery.

Residents who happen to pass by one of Levittown's three fire stations will notice the flag at half staff. It has been lowered in honor of the service rendered by ex-Captain Robert Fischer of Levittown Fire Department Rescue Co. 4 who passed away on March 1. Several months ago, while on a rescue call, he was stricken while helping others. After many months of confinement, he lost his battle to survive and died at age 61.

Chances are, if you required the services of the Levittown Fire Department Rescue Company during the past 20 years, you were attended to by Bob Fischer, or by one of the many first responders he trained and mentored. Bob's untimely passing has deeply saddened his family and his extended family of firefighters serving Levittown and his former Department, Elmont, where he also served as lieutenant and captain of Engine Co. 2. He was a member there for 22 years before moving to Levittown. Bob was employed as an EMT and then as a paramedic for the Nassau County Sheriffs Department for 15 years before retiring.

Over time, Bob has received many awards for his service to the community, too numerous to list. He felt that he did not deserve the awards, that he was just part of the team. The most recent was a Town of Hempstead Citation, honoring him for his many years as a first responder/caregiver. Bob's friends described him as a gentleman who brought out the best in them. They recalled his sense of humor and will never forget his compassion for others, but most of all he will be remembered by the people he helped when they or their loved ones were having the worst day of their lives. He was there to tend to their injuries and ease their pain and to reassure them.

After he was stricken and needed help himself, his fellow volunteers from all over the area attended a fund raiser run by his company, Rescue 4. It was a huge success - standing room only. Everyone there wanted to give something back to Bob and his family.

Fire Department services were held on March 4 at Frederick J. Chapey and Sons Funeral Home in Bethpage. Fire chaplins from the Elmont and Levittown Fire Departments conducted joint services for the family and many friends and firefighters in attendance. Services ended with a eulogy given by Levittown Chief Brian Holt, who recalled Bob's dedication to duty and the communities he served. He spoke of his compassion and poise, his mentoring of fellow members. He ended the services saying "Bob, your last alarm is over, we will take it from here."

Bob is survived by his mother, Margaret Fischer, his sisters, Catherine and Joanne. His wife of 22 years, Beverly, his children Barbara Fischer, Dawn and Jaren Feirstein, Robert and Theresa Fischer, Jeffery and Margaret Rosenthal, Warren and Stephanie Rosenthal and Brian Rosenthal. Grandfather of six. Celebration of the Liturgy of Christian Burial was held at St. Bernards R.C. Church, Levittown, NY with interment at Pinelawn Memorial Park, Farmingdale on March 5.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Care Network, 99 Sunnyside Blvd., Woodbury, NY 11797 in memory of Bob Fischer.

Residents can visit www.robert-fischer.memory-of.com/tributes/aspx, website, created by Levittown Fire Medic Sue Athenas of Rescue Co. 4, to learn more about Bob Fischer.