In 1937, a 21-year-old Westbury resident named Carl Lidstrom, Jr. joined the Westbury Fire Department's Hose Company No. 1. In 1939 he was elected as 2nd Lieutenant and, the following year, 1st Lieutenant. Over the years he declined two nominations for captain, the first in 1941 and again 10 years later. But on Sunday, April 14, after 65 years as a volunteer fireman, Lidstrom finally accepted the title he rightfully deserved.

During a celebration with family, friends and fellow firefighters at the Milleridge Cottage, the department honored Lidstrom for over six and a half decades of volunteerism, bestowing upon him the distinction of being named honorary captain of Hose Company No. 1. Not only is Lidstrom the first person in the company's history to be made an honorary captain, but it was also the first time in the department's 105-year history that someone reached such a milestone in membership.

"Carl embodies the true spirit of volunteerism," said Bob Price, ex-chief of the Westbury Fire Department. "He has been an active participant for all of his 65 years. He is the perfect example and role model for volunteerism." Price, who has known Lidstrom for nearly 30 years, also said, "Sixty-five years is a long time of committing one's self to the volunteer fire services and that is the type of commitment that a volunteer fire department requires."

In addition to serving as lieutenant, Lidstrom was a member of the department's tournament team from 1937 to 1941, was a member of the department's band and, in 1953, he organized the company's Welfare Committee. Lidstrom has been a delegate to the Nassau County Firemen's Association since 1939 and, from 1970 to 1995 he served on the association's Auditing Committee, including 20 years as chairman. He is also a 50-year member of the Firemen's Association of the State of New York (FASNY) and past delegate to the association.

In August 1997, the Westbury Fire Department selected Lidstrom as the Grand Marshal of the New York State Firemen's Parade celebrating the department's 100th Anniversary. "More than 90 departments from throughout New York State participated, with 2,871 men and women in the line of march," said Thomas Durnan, recording secretary for the department. "Carl was the shining star that led the parade through Westbury in this auspicious and memorable celebration."

In preparing for the anniversary celebration, Lidstrom was chairman of the department's Historical Committee and instrumental in the compilation and publication of the Westbury Fire Department Centennial Book, a journal commemorating and celebrating a century of department history.

"As chairman of the Historical Journal, he developed a collage of pictures, memorabilia and written documentation which became a fitting tribute to his fellow members, both past and present in the Westbury Fire Department," said Durnan. "He was a big part of the department's history. His memory of the past is second to none."

Price agreed, saying, "He is a great historian. He did such a tremendous job at our 100th anniversary and has continued to do so."

Lidstrom said he joined the fire department in 1937 because it seemed an interesting thing to do. "We had a baseball team and a little movie house in the village, but other than that, there wasn't anything else," he said. "The fire department was our recreation. I loved it because I felt I was doing something for my community."

Lidstrom also said he is honored to be recognized for the years of service and dedication he has given the department. "For me, being selected as Grand Marshal, leading all firemen down the street was a tremendous honor," said Lidstrom. "This [was] a tremendous surprise. I feel honored, I really do, to be honored for something I love doing. This is the greatest honor that anyone can bestow on me."

In addition to the department, Lidstrom was also honored for his distinguished service by the Nassau County Firemen's Association, FASNY, the Town of North Hempstead and the Department of State - Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Mayor Ernest Strada also dedicated April 14 as Carl Lidstrom Jr. Day in the Incorporated Village of Westbury.

A resident of Westbury for 85 years, Lidstrom served as a commissioner for the Westbury Water-Fire District from May 1957 through December 1985. Prior to retirement, Lidstrom was employed by the Westbury Water District for 30 years and served as deputy superintendent of highways for the Town of North Hempstead for 10 years. Last year, Lidstrom and his wife, Helen, moved to Ridge, NY. The Lidstroms have been married for 53 years and have two daughters, Esther Lidstrom and Helen Carroll, wife of Dr. Daniel Carroll, and two grandchildren, Ashley and Braden.

Although he no longer responds to calls, Lidstrom has remained active in the department, attending meetings and drills. "I can't stop," he said.