On April 3 the Plandome Fire Department conducted its 88th annual installation of oficers at its annual meeting at the Village Hall.

In attendance were members, spouses and select guests.

In addition to installing officers, the meeting was a format for honoring outgoing Chief John F. King for his outstanding contribution as head of the department for the past two years.

During his tenure the department made many advances in training and technology. Two highlights were the acquisition of a new state-of-the-art front-line fire engine capable of putting out 1000 gallons of water a minute, enough to fight the most involved fires, and the fact that Plandome now has a roster of 80 fully active firefighters--the highest number of personnel in its history.

Chief King indicated that he hoped he had left the department slightly better than when he first took office. Everyone in attendance agreed that it was better, but the facts indicated that the state of its firefighting capability far exceeded the chief's modest assessment.

After presentations to Chief and Mrs. King for their invaluable contributions, the new slate of officers was elected and sworn in. This included the capable and popular incoming chief, Gary Becker. Chief Becker promised to continue to advance Plandome's first rate fire department in its mission of protecting lives and property within the village.

The following are the new officers:

Chief: Gary Becker; 1st Deputy Chief: Allen H. Wofford; 2nd Deputy Chief: Frank Capone; Captains: Roger V. Coleman, Ned Peyser; 1st Lieuts: Richard Buhr, Roger Goodwin; 2nd Lieuts: Kevin Murphy, John Furlong; Secretary: Ex-Chief Edward F. Sheerin; Treasurer: Mike Temares; Chaplain: Rev. Kevin Smith; Fire Commissioner: Village Trustee Lloyd Williams; Captain of Fire Police: John B. Foley.