The Mineola Junior Fire Department held its annual installation of officers recently. More than 120 guests were present at the affair, including dignitaries and families of the junior firefighters. The fire department officers were also there to support the junior fire department as Mayor Scott Strauss swore in Lieutenants Domingos DaSiva, David Mulder, and David Battista, followed by Captain John Lodogheit’s swearing in.
All the officers are very dedicated to the junior fire department and rightly earned their positions for the coming year. Nick Tavares received the Walter Langer Scholarship Award, which was presented to him by the late ex-chief’s wife Janet Langer and his daughter Loretta Langer Fromes. This was a moving time as Walter was well thought of in the Mineola Fire Department and worked hard for the betterment of the department.
Tavares is a dedicated member and well deserving of this special award. He is a senior at Mineola High school and, after graduation, he will be entering the U.S. Marines where he has received a full scholarship to Penn State University.
The climax of the night came when the junior firefighter of the year was announced. This year the junior firefighter of the year went to David Mulder. A well-deserved award for Mulder, as he has shown leadership and dedication to the organization while also doing well in Troop 45 where he is working toward his Eagle badge. Mulder is dedicated to the Junior Fire Department with making many events and trainings. He is a responsible member and popular with the firefighters and advisors.
