In 1949, William J. D'Avanzo joined Company One of the Mineola Fire Department. This year, the department has planned a celebration in honor of his fiftieth year in that company.

"I don't feel I have to be honored," D'Avanzo said, adding that he felt honored enough just being part of the department. "It's always like a brotherhood. "

D'Avanzo was born, raised and has lived in Mineola, and has lived there all his life. Before becoming a firefighter, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was later assigned to the Destroyer, the U.S.S. Luce. He also served during World War II in both Europe and the Pacific.

Upon returning to the States, he and his brothers John and Carmen formed the Big Three Moving and Fuel Oil Business, a business later taken over by his son.

D'Avanzo joined the fire department three years later. He had a number of friends in the department and said he joined knowing that it was "a community service I would like to perform." D'Avanzo then quickly moved up the ranks to become Captain. He has been a member of many firematic organizations FASNY, Southern NY and the Nassau County Firemens Association.

Fellow firefighter Bill Parconi said that if it weren't for D'Avanzo's political aspirations, he could have risen higher in the ranks to become chief.

"He was been very dedicated," Parconi said. "He's been a lot of fun, and I've always enjoyed his company."

Parconi, who is a member of the entertainment committee that has planned the celebratory evening, worked with D'Avanzo when he joined the department in 1950 and at the Big Three Moving company. He said they became "pretty close friends."

In 1965 D'Avanzo decided to use his skills in government and was appointed a village trustee. He served on the board for nine years. For part of that term, he also served as the Village's the deputy mayor. In 1974, he became the Superintendent of Public Works, a position he held until his retirement in 1980. He was a member of the Mineola Republican Committee for 30 years and was Executive Leader for 10 years.

Lew Buttacoli also worked with D'Avanzo for three decades, and remembers his public service best. "I found him a very fair and very nice person," he said. "You called him if you needed something done and he would get it done. He had a lot of power and used it to help a lot of people."

D'Avanzo has been very active in the community, as a member and president of the Corpus Christi Ushers, a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Italian American Civic Association and the Citizens Party. He has received an honorary membership of the Knights of Columbus, third and fourth degree and is a charter member of the County Seat Kiwanis Club.

"I'm as active as I can be," he said.

The celebration of D'Avanzo's fifty years with the Mineola Fire Department will take place Sept. 17 at the Swan Club in Glenwood Landing. Most of his family will be attending, including eight of his grandchildren, who are flying up from Florida for the special occasion. "They're all very proud," D'Avanzo said.

Parconi expects about 120 people to attend, including department members, village representatives and nearby fire companies.