At the Mineola Village Board meeting last week, Mayor Jack M. Martins and the village board honored a longtime member of the Mineola Fire Department.

For 33 years, Stephen John Stolarik has served the Village of Mineola selflessly as a member of the fire department. Not only has Mr. Stolarik been a dedicated member, he has been at the forefront of the department's day-to-day activities and events.

Mr. Stolarik is known for his involvement and the manner in which the community can always rely on him. Mayor Martins and trustees Larry Werther, Linda Fairgrieve, Paul Cusato and John DaVanzo presented Mr. Stolarik with a village proclamation.

On Oct. 16, Mr. Stolarik was also honored by the Town of Hempstead, which presented him with the town firematic medal for their courage and dedication to protecting local communities. Here is what the town had to say about Mr. Stolarik:

Stephen John Stolarik, Sr. is the epitome of a volunteer firefighter. A member of the Mineola Fire Department since 1972, Stephen is a talented and respected firefighter who is available whenever and wherever needed.

Firefighter Stolarik is considered the department's "Mr. Fix-it". Stephen can "fix" anything and never expects a cent in return. He is a constant presence at the firehouse, always available to answer a call or to lend a helping hand.

Stephen is part of the department's fire prevention program and he also mentors younger firefighters. Using his training as a former Marine, Stephen guides the younger members of the department with a firm but loving hand.

Quoting from a recent letter thanking firefighter Stolarik for his commitment to fire service, Second Battalion Commissioner Raymond Maguire stated, "Firefighter Stolarik you are a credit to your department and we could use a lot more like you in the fire service."