The North Massapequa Fire Department will join with firefighters across New York State in honoring Ex-Chief and Commissioner Frank A. Nocerino, who will be sworn in as President of the Association of Fire Districts of New York State May 6. Nocerino is the first person in the history of the North Massapequa Fire Department to ascend to such a prestigious position.

"It is the highest elected office in the New York State Volunteer Firefighting Service," said North Massapequa Fire Department Chief Kenneth S. Blinder. "We certainly are fortunate to have a man of Frank's talent and experience among our ranks. Not too many departments can say they have a member who has done as much for their organization as Frank has done for ours." In addition to his responsibilities on the State level, Nocerino currently serves as Chairman of the Nassau County Fire Commission.

Nocerino has a tremendous record of dedication to the fire service and community. Aside from the positions he held in New York State and Nassau County, Nocerino helped pioneer the length of service awards (LOSAP) for firefighters, serves as Chairman of the Town of Oyster Bay Fire Advisory Board and serves with numerous other firematic and community organizations. On the community level, he is being honored by Farmingdale High School with a permanent plaque as a member of the school's prestigious Wall of Fame. The tribute recognizes Nocerino's long standing commitment to the school, his fund raising efforts, and his work building the "Friends of Farmingdale Athletics."

Farmingdale High School will be honoring Nocerino on its Wall of Fame along with North Massapequa resident Peter Ganci, Chief of the New York City Fire Department, who was killed in the line of duty during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

Nocerino also serves as Chairman of the Republic Airport Commission and is a board member of the Nassau County Chapter of the National Football Foundation. The National Football Foundation raises scholarship money for student athletes who have excelled in the classroom and on the field.

"He's an outstanding fireman and community resident," said Blinder. "He does so much for the fire service, you wonder how he has time for additional community service. The fact is, he takes leadership roles in so many civic, community and charitable endeavors that it's very difficult to list everything."

Blinder said the department had planned to honor Frank as the Grand Marshal of the 6th Battalion Parade slated for Sept. 15, 2001. "With the tragic events of Sept. 11, the parade was cancelled," Blinder said. "But, that hasn't stopped us wanting to recognize his outstanding achievements. We're proud of what he's done, and we look forward to his future accomplishments as a member of the North Massapequa Fire Department."