As we enter the new millennium in the hamlet of Carle Place, the board of trustees, chief's office and members of the Carle Place Fire Department (CPFD) would like to share some of our history, as well as our ongoing commitment to your safety and well-being.

In July 1910, the company was founded as Mineola Park and was housed in a farm building moved from Old Westbury to the northeast corner of Rushmore and Westbury Avenue. At the June 6, 1916 meeting the first steps were taken to change the company name to Carle Place Hook, Ladder and Hose Co. 1. In 1952 the present headquarters was built. Alterations were made in 1965 and again in 1978 to house the growing amount of specialty equipment needed to protect the community. In 1977 the culmination of one of the most successful community projects came to fruition when the keys to Rescue Vehicle 913 (your ambulance) were presented to the company by the Carle Place Civic Association. The desire to serve their fellow man is as strong today among our current members as it was 90 years ago.

With that brief history in mind it is with great pleasure that we tell you of two current members who have carried on that tradition for 50 of those 90 years.

Richard Bruckner Sr. became a member of the company in 1949. Richard served the department in many capacities and was a standout member of the Carle Place Fire Department Racing Team. On the battalion level he served for seven years as secretary of the 9th Battalion Bowling League. Although Rich has served on many committees during his tenure, probably the most important was that of chair of the committee that was responsible for the creating and completion of the annex across from headquarters on Broadway.

During his 50 years of service Rich has answered the call for virtually all of our major fires. Not only has he maintained a high percentage of participation, he also kept the balance between being an active member of the department and being a devoted family man. His love for the Carle Place Fire Department was obviously contagious. The Bruckner tradition continues today; his son Richard Jr. is an ex-chief and his grandson has just joined the Department Family.

Paul Schroth entered the CPFD in June 1950. Paul was on military leave during the Koren War and returned to active duty in 1954. Paul always wanted to be a firefighter and served as a Federal Firefighter at Floyd Bennett Field until the US Navy closed the field. In 1967 Paul became a member of the New York City Fire Department and served the department for 23 years. Paul was not only a member of a record holding racing team, but also in 1962 he was elected 2nd Lieutenant. He rose through the firematic ranks and became Chief of Department in 1970. In 1973 Paul was recognized as Fireman of the Year. In 1977 Paul was elected to the Board of Trustees, and was elected to president in 1983. With Paul's foresight and guidance the CPFD was able to establish its length of service program (LOSAP). Paul is still active as a member of the 9th Battalion Chief's Council and the 9th Battalion Delegates and Legislative Committee.

Family has played an important role in Paul's life. Daughters Sandy, Sharon and granddaughter Tricia are members of the CPFD Ladies Auxiliary. Paul's two sons-in-law Brien (CPFD, T.D. (ELMO) (WFD) and grandson PJ (Barney) also of WFD, and brother-in-law Bill of Locust Valley FD. The tradition of service continues.

It is because of members such as Rich and Paul that our company has flourished. They are one of the reasons (along with our current membership) that the CPFD is such a draw on the youth of this town.

We inducted our first female firefighter into our ranks this past year, as well as founding our junior fighters this past year. New horizons equals new opportunities.

(Note: The writer is a firefighter and emergency medical technician with the Carle Place Fire Department.)