The Funeral For Ex-Chief James McDermott

Story by Ex-Captain Steve Grogan; Photos by Steve and Brian Grogan

Funeral services for Ex-Chief James McDermott, who served as Chief of the Lynbrook Fire Department in 2005-2006 and again 2015-2016, was held at Our Lady of Peace Church on Tuesday, August 30, 2016. Ex-Chief McDermott, age 55, unexpectedly passed away on August 26th. Ex-Chief McDermott is the only Lynbrook firefighter ever to be elected to serve a second term as chief in the 115-year history of the department. He was a member of Rescue, Hook, Ladder & Bucket Company No.1 of the Lynbrook Fire Department since 1980.  Ex-Chief McDermott was formerly a New York City police officer who retired as a sergeant in 1995. Police officers attended the funeral and carried the coffin into and out of the church.  A fire truck borrowed from the Elmont FD was used as a hearse.  After the church services the funeral procession to the cemetery passed under four ladder arches honoring Ex-Chief McDermott's dedication and service.  He will be missed.