0554 hours Commack Fire Department responds to an alarm at 3082 Jericho Turnpike. Units arrive to find a smoke condition in the building. Further investigation leads to a fire in the cook line duct work. The fire is quickly extinguished. Mutual aid provided by Greenlawn for a RIT, Dix Hills for an engine and East Northport for a ladder. The Kings Park Fire Department sent an engine to cover for the duration of the incident. There were no injuries.
Hauppauge FD Ex-Chief Peter Christofferson passes.
Hauppauge Fire Department Photo
Hauppauge Fire Department Ex-Chief and past Commissioner Peter Christoffersen passed away on September 5th at the age of 89. He passed away at the Gordon House in Gordonsville, VA. Peter was born on November 9, 1929. Peter graduated from Farmingdale College and served in U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. Post military, he worked as a Construction Supervisor, where he oversaw many large construction projects on Long Island. He joined the Hauppauge Fire Department in July 1963 and was a Member of Engine Company # 2. He worked his way up the ranks, serving as Chief of Department from 1974 to 1978. Following his stint as Chief of Department he was a Fire District Commissioner from 1978 to 1994.
Peter was the Incident commander at a number of serious operations including the crash involving a gasoline tanker and a passenger vehicle at Wheeler Road and Veterans Highway, the gasoline tank truck fire at Wheeler Road and Kings Highway, the Village Green strip mall fire, multiple large brush fires on the ITT/Mackay Radio property in what is now the Hauppauge industrial park and numerous other significant structure and brush fires.
Peter and Andy Oberglock were the persons responsible for the Department History Booklet 1931-1996. As a fire Commissioner he played a big part in helping bring the Hauppauge Fire Department into the modern era.
When Peter retired, he moved to Lake Monticello in Virginia. Peter was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Margaret Mary and his brother Henry Christoffersen. Survived by his loving brother Ernest; five cherished children: John Christoffersen (Vicki), Peter Christoffersen, Fran Pitts (Richard), Lisa Miller (Robin) and Andrew Christoffersen. Adored Papa to five grandchildren: Kimberly Christoffersen, Eric Pitts, James and Kate Miller, and Mia Weisbrod.
In honoring his wishes, Pete will be cremated and all services were private.
Smithtown Fire Department Chaplain Daniel Bitsko passes at 82
Smithtown Fire Department Photo
Rev. Daniel J. Bitsko, 82, of New Britain, PA, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2019, in ManorCare Health Services in Montgomeryville PA. Born in Coaldale PA, he was a son of the late Frank and Helen (Zelinka) Bitsko. He was a graduate of the former Coaldale High School and Duquesne University. He then joined the Byzantine Catholic Seminary of SS. Cyril and Methodius in Pittsburgh, where he fulfilled his vocation of becoming a Byzantine Catholic priest.
Father Dan was very active in Smithtown, joining and becoming the chaplain of the Smithtown Fire Department in 1969. Father Dan was assigned to the Hook and Ladder Company. He is a four time recipient of his company’s Firefighter of the Year Award and a 2005 recipient of the Department Firefighter of the Year award. Father Dan would respond to calls in his vehicle as "4-2-29". He was always available for firefighters and their families regardless of their faith. Father Dan was honored this past May for his 50 years of service to the department. He was also the Chaplain for the Smithtown Fire Chiefs Council, the Suffolk County Fire Chiefs Council, the Suffolk County Volunteer Fireman's Association, as well as the Southern New York Fireman's Association. Father Dan was a member of the NYS Association of Fire Chaplains, serving as their Chief from 2002-2004. Father Dan was also a member of the Smithtown Rotary Club and the Smithtown Historical Society.
Father Dan served as the pastor at St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in New York City, N.Y., St. Andrew's Byzantine Catholic Church, Westbury, N.Y., and last served at the Byzantine Catholic Church of the Resurrection in Smithtown, N.Y. He was a member of the New York State Chaplains Association and also served as the chaplain for the New York Islanders hockey team, as well as at NASCAR races at the Pocono Raceway.
Father Dan was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Father Henry Baker Council No. 2711.
Surviving are a sister, Helen, wife of John Kochaba of Camden, DE; a brother Nicholas, and his wife, Ruth, of New Britain; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Mary Cortese; and five brothers, Michael, Frank, Andrew, John and Stephen.
On Monday, September 9th 2019, approximately 50 Members of the Smithtown Fire Department and Smithtown Chief’s Council traveled to St. John the Baptist Byzantine Catholic Church in Lansford for the funeral. Firefighters assembled outside the ornate church as early as 8am, posted the colors out front and stood honor guard at the entrance while many loved ones came to say their final farewell.
Following the funeral liturgy, members stood in formation behind Father Dan’s fire gear and saluted as he was led out of the church by his fellow priests, and carried by fellow firefighters. A testament to the fraternal brotherhood he had with each. Following a short ride to the Summit Hill Cemetery, a peacful graveside service was held where a final salute was offered by each member in attendance, and his Chaplain’s helmet was presented to Father Dan’s brother, Nick, by Chief Kevin Fitzpatrick. As all those from the many facets of Father Dan’s life connected and exchanged wonderful stories about the man, one common theme kept arising; Peace. We know Father Dan is at peace and smiling down on us all.
Parts of this story were written by the Smithtown Fire Department.
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