Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography (soniboy@aol.com)
Good day and welcome to this month’s edition of the Montauk Fire Department Corner, a place where you can stay in touch with the monthly happenings at the Montauk Fire Department. I hope everyone has had a safe and happy Easter and Passover with family and friends.
I am sorry to report that on March 25th the Montauk Fire Department lost a 60 plus year veteran, Charles “Charlie” Morici. He had just celebrated his 88th birthday on February 28th. Charlie was a great guy and a fixture at the firehouse and the hamlet of Montauk. After graduating from East Hampton High School, he joined the United States Air Force where he was trained as a mechanic. He served in Okinawa and throughout the United States for 8 years. Upon leaving the Air Force he and his wife, Betty, returned to live in Montauk. He was hired as a patrolman with the East Hampton Town Police Department where he had a career spanning 25 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. Charlie joined the Montauk Fire Department in the mid 1960’s and was an active member until his death. He was initially a member of Engine Company No. 2 and eventually joined the Department’s Fire Police Company No. 6, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant. 
Also during his time he served on many important committees in the Department and his Company. On Saturday, April 11th the Montauk Fire Department, along with Charlie’s family and friends, said our goodbyes at his funeral mass. I am proud to say that over 100 Montauk Firefighters and EMS personnel attended. On behalf of the Officers, men and women of the Montauk Fire Department, we send our condolences to the Moricci family. He will be sorely missed.
Sunday, March 30th was a fine and proud day when I had the honor of leading the annual Montauk Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. 
It was made all the more special when this year’s Grand Marshal was Ex-Chief of the Montauk Fire Department, Tom Grenci, Jr. As you can see from the photos the Montuk Fire Department had a full complement of personnel marching, driving apparatus and manning the Department’s float, a replica of the HMS Culloden. The Culloden won first prize as the best float in the parade. Congratulations to Tommy, he has represented the Department and the community of Montauk as Grand Marshal. Thanks to the men and women of the Department who made this event a great success.
That’s it for this month’s edition my friends. Please remember that the warm weather and busy season is coming so be sure to listen and watch for emergency vehicles, and safely mmove to the shoulder of the road when you hear them coming your way.
~ Peter Joyce Jr., Chief, Montauk Fire Department
https://www.montaukfiredistrict.org/