By 10:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, the sweltering heat wave had already hit Roslyn. But that didn't stop up to 75 people from traveling to Gerry Park to honor two of the most venerable institutions in the village: Roslyn Rescue and Roslyn Highlands Fire Departments.

On July 20, Town of North Hempstead officials unveiled a handsome marble monument to members, past and present, of both fire companies.

According to Henry Krukowski, president of Roslyn Rescue, the monument has been a goal of the fire companies since 2001. Active work on the project has been in the works for the past four years. The monument, Krukowski added, had nothing to do with the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, but the fact that three Roslyn fire company members---Michael Haub and Peter and Thomas Langone---all perished in the World Trade Center on that day did add a special poignancy to Sunday's event.

The dedication on the monument reads: "To the members of the Roslyn Fire Companies in recognition of their volunteer service to the greater Roslyn community."

The structure also notes the founding dates of both companies: Roslyn Rescue was born in 1852 and Roslyn Highlands came into being in 1905. The founding of Roslyn Rescue, Krukowski said, makes it the oldest fire company in New York State currently operating under its original charter.

Krukowski thanked State Senator Craig Johnson who as a member of the Nassau County legislature helped to procure funds for the project. When Johnson was elected to the state senate, both TNH Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilman Wayne Wink helped to see the monument construction through to completion.

At the ceremony, Johnson, Kaiman and Wink, along with State Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, Roslyn Mayor John Durkin, and East Hills Deputy Mayor Linda Nathanson all gave short talks, praising the courage and dedication of fire company members.

A large portion of the audience on hand was comprised of current members of both Roslyn Rescue and Roslyn Highlands. Once the ceremonies ended, Roslyn Highlands hosted a sumptuous buffet at its headquarters on Warner Avenue.

Gerry Park is located off Roslyn Road, near the Clock Tower in downtown Roslyn. It is named for Roger and Peggy Gerry, two longtime Roslyn residents who were instrumental in the village's restoration efforts.