Our Past Chiefs

A Heritage of Gold

1927-1928 Chief Harry C. Johnson – Our first chief was appointed to office on April 27, 1927. He served in that position until August 1928. He retired due to an illness. He was an integral part of organizing the fledgling fire department.

1929-1932 Chief Fred Benesch – The organizational meeting for the fire department was held at his house. He designed and supervised the construction of our first firehouse which was located on Broadway Ave. Fred started the first racing team, the Comets. He also served as Vice-President of the Islip Town Volunteer Fireman’s Association.

1933 Chief John Wesemann – Quiet and friendly, he owned and operated a dairy farm on Broadway Ave for many years. John also served as the first Secretary for the Holbrook Fire District.

1934-1935 Chief Gustave Johnsen – Quiet, hard working and diligent. Gus was a Ship Captain in the Merchant Marine. He owned an egg and chicken farm on the corner of Coates Ave. and Furrows Rd. Gus was one of the first Commissioners for the Holbrook Fire District. His family Dalmation "Lady" was a fixture on the engines during parades in the 1950's

1936 Chief Fred Benesch – Appointed to another term in office. He also served from 1929-1932. Fred became the first Chairman for the Board of Fire Commissioners in Holbrook.

1937-1938 Chief John C. Wehrenberg Sr. – Known as the “Mayor of Holbrook”, John oversaw the purchase of our first new piece of apparatus, a 1938 Reo engine. Ever fire conscious, he always carried an Indian can in his car.

1939 Chief Joseph Mottl – Worked for Brookhaven National Laboratory, quiet Joe Mottl led the department for one year.

1940-1941 Chief Herbert Wehrenberg – Brother of Ex-Chief John C. Wehrenberg Sr., Herbert was a business man in Holbrook.

1941-1942 Chief Robert Hagenberger – Served a Chief of the Farmingville Fire Department prior to moving to Holbrook where he farmed the fields across from our first firehouse.

1942-1944 Chief Walter Laddick – Served as our “war-time” Chief. Walter led the department in support of the war effort. He was a summer resident but remained in Holbrook full time during his tenure as chief.

1944-1946 Chief Charles Zvonik – Aggressive and determined as chief. He was an auto wrecker by trade.

1946-1953 Chief Sidney Benesch – Served as chief for five years. Sid also served as Fire Commissioner and treasurer for the Board of Fire Commissioners. During a severe blizzard, Sid delivered milk via fire truck to many snowbound families. Throughout his time in office, Sid ran bazaars and bingo events to bring financial security to the department during the war years.

1951-1953 Chief Kilian Langsdorf – “Killy” to his friends, was a quiet soft-spoken, easy-going man.

1953-1955 Chief Harvey Heine – Tall, quiet Harvey was the architect and engineer of our second fire headquarters. Harvey was a great diplomat and pacifier. His ability to stay calm, cool and collected was a tremendous asset.

1955-1956 Chief Edward Seekamp – Ed progressed from Chief to Commissioner. During his term as Chief, he sat on the committee that designed our second fire headquarters.

1956-1959 Chief Howard Snyder – Howard was chief when a major woodland fire swept through Holbrook on May 1, 1957. On that occasion members responded to numerous calls to evacuate families from their homes which were threatened by the quick moving fire. Howard was also the first chief to occupy Holbrook’s second firehouse that opened on November 25, 1956.

1959-1961 Chief Daniel Haggerty – Personable and hardworking, Dan was a self employed contractor before moving to New York City where he served with the New York City Fire Department.

1961-1963 Chief Michael Lalosh Sr. – In 1962 Mike led the department to a second place finish in the countywide firematic competition held at the Fireman’s Training Center in Yaphank.

1963-1965 Chief Frank Ainoris – In 1964, under Frank’s leadership, the Holbrook Fire Department again captured a second place title in the countywide firematic competition. Frank also remained active in the department after serving as chief by serving on the Board of Directors and as photographer during department events.

1965-1966 Chief William Walsh – Jovial and easy-going. Bill returned to his post as assistant chief after serving in the Navy.

1966-1969 Chief William Zsembrey – Very deliberate in nature, Bill progressed to fire commissioner after serving in the chief’s office. Bill was famous for driving from call to call in his little Renault.

1969-1971 Chief Edwin Ebmeyer - A stern disciplinarian, and a natural firematic instructor, Ed conducted a comprehensive training program that turned new recruits into competent firefighters.

1971-1973 Chief Reginald Wilkinson – He was chief during a period of heavy population and construction growth in our community. He currently resides in Florida.

1973-1974 Chief Manuel Dieppa – Manny was a driving force behind our current fire prevention and community relations program. Manny was one of three Dieppa brothers to serve in the Holbrook Fire Department.

1975-1977 Chief Robert Rogers – Bob used his managerial experience from private industry to effect many management and administrative reforms within the department. Bob also served as president of the Islip Town Chiefs Council.

1978-1979 Chief John Boccio – John joined the Holbrook Fire Department in 1968 and assigned to Lightning Engine Company 1. He rose through the ranks rapidly attaining the rank of Chief in nine years from when he joined. John used his experience as an educator to develop sophisticated training programs to help our members perform to their best abilities. John also served as a commissioner for the fire district.

1980-1981 Chief Daniel Wolff – Dan had worked with his predecessor, John Boccio, to develop numerous training programs. He expanded these programs during his tenure.

1982-1983 Chief Edward Ostrosky – Ed, having experience with the Hempstead fire department prior to moving to Holbrook, was a catalyst in developing training for our tower ladder truck.

1984-1985 Chief George Kortlang – George used his background in the automobile business to make contributions in the development of specifications of vehicles to update our fleet.

1986-1987 Chief Stephen McGerty – Steve joined the department in 1973 after serving in the West Hempstead Fire Department in Nassau County. He was assigned to the Jupiter 27 Truck Company. During his years as a firefighter, line officer and chief, Steve established attendance and participation records that will not easily be surpassed.

1988-1989 Chief Joseph Williams – Joe joined the department in 1977 after serving with the Valley Stream Fire Department. He was assigned to Lightning Engine Company 1. Joe rose through the ranks to become Second Assistant Chief in 1984. During Joe’s term, the Holbrook Fire Department was the Nassau-Suffolk EMS Agency of the year. Joe was President of the Town of Islip Chiefs Council and a retired Lieutenant from the New York City Fire Department. Joe is currently the Commissioner of Suffolk County Fire Rescue. He remains an active member of the department and is currently serving as a Safety Officer.

1990 Chief Gerald Schrang – Gerry joined the department’s ranks in. He was assigned to Jupiter Truck Company 27. He was extremely active in the Rebels Drill team being a driving force for the team. Gerry eventually rose to the rank of chief. During his tenure Gerry was an integral part of revamping and updating the department’s training program. He was also heavily active in the fire prevention program creating a fire prevention news letter. Gerry made the supreme sacrifice on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center while assigned to FDNY Rescue 3. He will always be remembered though the Gerald Schrang Training Award given to the firefighter that shows the most dedication to training and the betterment of themselves and the department every year.

1991-1992 Chief Richard Gimbl – Rick joined the department in 1976 after serving with the Lindenhurst Fire Department and was assigned to Lightning Engine Company 1. Rick was also a Charter member of Eagle Engine Company 2 when it was formed in 1985. He transferred back to the Lightning Engine Company where he went through the ranks to become Chief. During Rick’s term the department moved into the current headquarters building on Terry Blvd. The department also placed two 1500 GPM engines into service. HFD was named the New York State EMS Agency of the Year. Rick revitalized the Junior Fire Company. He also served as president of the Town of Islip Fire Chiefs Council.

1993-1994 Chief Charles Vermilyea – Charlie joined the department in 1976. Assigned to Jupiter Truck Company 27, he rose through the ranks eventually becoming chief. Two new ambulances were placed into service during his term. He is currently serving as Commissioner for the fire district.

1995-1996 Chief Stephen McGerty - Steve is the first member to go through all of the chiefs positions twice. He served a chief during the mutual aid responses to the Sunrise Wild Fires and the TWA Flight 800 crash. He is currently serving as Commissioner for the fire district and remains active in the Jupiter 27 Truck Company.

1997 Chief Ronald Schnall – Ron joined the department in 1976 after transferring from the Williston Park Fire Department in Nassau County. He was assigned to Jupiter Truck Company 27 where he rose to the Rank of Captain. Ron was elected to the Chief’s office in 1993 as a Second Assistant Chief. He became Chief in 1997. During Ron’s tenure a new tower ladder was placed into service. Ron also worked to improve department training. He revamped the fire prevention program with the help of Commissioner John Hickey. Ron also worked to retain members. Ron is currently a Deputy Chief Instructor at the Suffolk County Fire Academy. He remains an active member of the department and is currently serving as a Safety Officer.

1998-1999 Chief Michael Timo – Mike joined the department in 1982 and was assigned to Lightning Engine Company 1. He rose through the ranks eventually becoming chief and earning a Paramedic certification. During his tenure Mike supervised the adoption of standard to be an interior firefighter and the adoption of skills proficiency training to qualify members to be line officers. Mike is currently serving as Commissioner for the fire district.

2000-2001 Chief Brian Harvey – Brian Joined the department in 1985 were he was assigned to Eagle Engine Company 2 where he was a charter member. Brian rose through the ranks eventually becoming Second Assistant Chief in 1997. As chief Brian coordinated efforts to ensure that Holbrook Fire Department was in compliance with NFPA standards.

2002-2003 Chief James McIntosh – During his term Jimmy revitalized the department’s competitive drill team. Jimmy Presided at our 75th anniversary parade and carnival. Also a new E-One engine, 3-15-4, was placed into service. Jimmy also served as a Fire Commissioner for the Holbrook Fire District. He remains an active member of the department and is currently serving as a Safety Officer.

2004-2005 Chief Christian Heinssen ­– Chris joined the department in 1988 and was assigned to Sun Vet Engine Company 127. In that company he matured into an aggressive and knowledgeable firefighter eventually rising to the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain. Chris was elected to the Chief’s office as a Second Assistant Chief in 2000 and rose through the ranks to become Chief of the Department. As Chief, Chris emphasized the need for current and aggressive training. After the Chiefs office he went back to the rank of Lieutenant and is currently the Captain of Sun Vet Engine Company 127.

2006-2007 Chief Joel Vetter - Following in his fathers' path, Joel joined the department in 1989 and was assigned to Eagle Engine Co. 2 where he arose to the rank of Captain. Joel, a Firefighter/Paramedic, was elected to the Chief’s Office as a Second Assistant Chief in 2002. He rose to the rank of Chief of the department in 2006 and is currently leading the department in our 80th Anniversary year. He uses his career experience and education to update our EMS service and expand several department programs. He has been recognized by REMSCO as the 2001 ALS Provider of the Year and was awarded Suffolk County's 8 the Legislative Firefighter of the Year.

2008-2009 Chief Richard Gimbl – Rick served as Chief of the department in 1991-92. Rick joined the department in 1976 after serving with the Lindenhurst Fire Department and was assigned to Lightning Engine Company 1. Rick was also a Charter member of Eagle Engine Company 2 when it was formed in 1985. He transferred back to the Lightning Engine Company where he went through the ranks to become Chief.

2010-2011 Chief Joseph Fannon - Joe's firematic career began in 1991 at the age of 16 when he joined the newly formed Holbrook Juniors. Two years later he would be assigned to Eagle Engine Company 2. After serving as their secretary Joe began his leadership command in 2002 being elected Lieutenant of Engine Company 2. He continued his rise through the ranks and became Chief of Department in 2010. His commitment to the Junior program has kept the departments manpower at the highest level ever. 

2012-2013 Chief Clifford Pendl - Cliff began his firefighting career in 1972 joining Bethpage Fire Department, serving in Ladder Company #3. He transferred to Holbrook in 1978, being assigned to Lightning Engine Company #1. In 1985 he became a charter member of Eagle Engine Company #2. In 1991, he was elected Lieutenant and rose to the rank of Captain, serving for 5 years from 1993-1997. He was the recipient of the Chiefs award in 1997 & Holbrook Fireman of the Year in 2006. In 2003, Holbrook F.D. purchased a Flashover Simulator and Cliff was assigned as the lead instructor. To date, over 10 departments have sent their members to participate in the "Everyone Goes Home Alive" program. In 2011, he was elected as 1st Assistant Chief, and in 2012 was installed as Chief of the Department.

2014-2015 Chief Richard Stack - Rich joined the Holbrook Fire Department in June of 1984 and was assigned to Lightning Engine Company 1. He transferred to Sun-Vet Engine Company 127 in 1985 and returned to Lightning in 1990 where he was awarded the Lightning Company Fireman of the Year Award in 1992. He was elected to Lieutenant in 1999 and continued to rise to serve as Captain in 2002-2003. He was installed as 2nd Assistant Chief in 2010 and advanced in the Chief's office to serve as Chief of Department.

2016 Chief Michael Timo - After serving as Chief in 1998-1999 Mike pursued to become a member of the Board of Fire Commissioner for the Holbrook Fire District. In 2003 he was elected to a five year term. He remained a member of the board for ten years where he served several times as chairman. Mike knowing the ever evolving fire service continued to keep Holbrook in the forefront of emergency service response to the community. In December of 2013 Mike resigned from the board so that in January of 2014 he could be installed as 2nd Assistant Chief. Mike served as Chief of the Department in 2016.

2017-2018 Chief Christian Heinssen- After serving as chief in 2005 Chris returned to Sun-Vet Engine Company where he than was elected to the office of Lieutenant and rose to serve as Captain of the company. In January 2012 Chris was sworn in as 2nd Assistant Chief and continued to serve a second term as Chief of Department.

2019-2020 Chief James Bodor -Jim began his firefighting career in 1985 by joining the Massapequa Fire Department. In 1995 he joined the Holbrook Fire Department and was assigned to Lightning Engine Company 1. Immediatly he became one of the company's most active members and by 2008 he was elected to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He continued to rise through the ranks of the company serving as the Company Captain in 2012-2013. in 2016 he was installed as 2nd Assistant Chief and was also the recipient of the Chief Gerald Schrang Training Award.

2021-2022 Chief Christian Heinssen- After serving as Chief of Department 2017-2018 Chris had returned to SunVet Engine Company and served as a Lieutenant. In May of 2021 Chris was again elected to be Chief of Department to fill a vacancy which had occured. Chris was the first member to serve as Chief of Department three times. Chris has spent 15 years of his service time in the Chiefs office of the Holbrook Fire Department.

2023-2024 Chief David Monthie- Dave began his career joining the Terryville Fire Department in June of 2000. He joined Holbrook Fire Department in 2006, was assigned to Eagle Engine Company 2 and began to aggressivily pursue the required courses to become an officer. In 2012 Dave was elected to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and by 2014 he was serving as Captain. In 2016 Dave was recognized for his company dedication and was awarded Fireman of the Year Award for Eagle Engine Company. In January 2019 Dave was sworn into the office of 2nd Assistant Chief and rose to the rank of Chief of Department.Dave is currently employed by the Town of Islip as a Fire Marshal.

            HONORARY CHIEFS
George Christiansen Sr.        Richard Vetter
Joseph Petralia                    Charles Pedersen 
James Portente                    William Perkins
Arthur Wehrenberg
John C. Wehrenberg
Robert Walther