The Town recently renamed a section of 50th Street, between Straight Path and Copiague Road in North Lindenhurst, Ex-Chief Alan Gassen Memorial Way. The designation honors Ex-Chief Alan Gassen (1946-2022), a life-long resident of North Lindenhurst and a 58-year member of the North Lindenhurst Fire Department.
Ex-Chief Gassen joined NLFD on June 8, 1964 and spent much of his life serving the community. In 1974, as 1st Deputy Chief, he co-organized the North Lindenhurst Junior Fire Department, which attracts children 10 to 16 years old interested in learning the skills of becoming a fire fighter when they turn 17. He continued serving as an advisor to the juniors up until the time of his death last year. In addition to his many roles with the fire department, he also served as a Suffolk County Sheriff Officer from 1972-2003.
Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez and Councilman Terence McSweeney were joined by Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey, Nic Nogueira of Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre’s Office, members of the Gassen family and members of the North Lindenhurst Fire Department as the sign was unveiled at the corner of 50th Street and Copiague Road. His son, Ex-Chief Brian Gassen and current Chief of Department, Kenneth M. Stallone Jr. each spoke about the impact that Ex-Chief Gassen had on the fire department, community, and most importantly his family.