Plainview Fire Department Holds Installation

Ex-Chief Al Calamo Honored for 50 Years of Service

By L. Baron - Chief of Department

Pictured are Ex-Chief Calamo (Center) along with (L-R) Chief Larry Baron, Board Member Al Bassetta, Ex Chief Michael Michitsch, Deputy Chief Richard Tousey and Deputy Chief James Mertz.

At the recent installation of officers the Plainview Fire Department, officials from Nassau County and the Town of Oyster Bay honored Ex-Chief Al Calamo for completion of 50 continuous years of service with the Plainview Fire Department and the citizens of Plainview Old-Bethpage.

Pictured here is newly elected Chief Larry Baron administering the oath of office to First Deputy Chief Richard Tousey (right) and James Mertz (left). The oath was administered at the recent installation dinner.

Calamo joined the Plainview Fire Department in 1954 and rose to the rank of Chief in 1964. Following his term as Chief, he served many years on the Board of Directors of the department guiding its growth from a rural to suburban department providing response to over 1,600 calls for assistance annually.

Many of the older residents in the community remember Calamo as "Al the Barber," who legend has it would leave a customer in the chair whenever the fire siren went off. In the years since, Calamo has maintained his active membership with the department as a member of the Fire Police Squad.