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.
