Fire Chief’s Council of Nassau County Holds Installation Ceremony

On February 23, 2014, the Fire Chief’s Council of Nassau County held its installation ceremony at the Fox Hollow Inn in Woodbury, N.Y. Incoming President Mervyn Campbell was installed, along with the newly elected board. Outgoing President Otto Kohlmier Jr. was honored for his work as president.

There were two special awards given during the ceremony. The first was presented to Past Treasurer Charles Kerns of the North Merrick Fire Department. Kerns was made an honorary past president for his dedication to the council and was honored with a presentation helmet. As the council’s treasurer, Kerns along with then President Paul Napoli put the council on a budget and stopped a drain on finances.

The second award presented was to Division Chief Thomas LaBelle of the Albemarle County Department of Fire Rescue. LaBelle, past executive director of the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, was named an honorary member of the council in recognition of his dedication to the firefighters of New York state and the Fire Chief’s Council of Nassau County. This membership has only been bestowed three times before this ceremony.

Pictured:

Above left: Charles Kerns and Mervyn Campbell. Above right: Tom LaBelle and Mervyn Campbell. Photos by Dennis Whittam

New York State Association of Fire Chiefs