HOLTSVILLE, NY – During the first weekend of May, the Suffolk County Volunteer Firemen’s Association held its 84th annual Reverend John P. Halpin Memorial Service and reading of the names of departed firefighters and ladies auxiliary members. This year the event was graciously hosted by the Holtsville Fire Department at their headquarters.

Uniformed members of local fire departments and fire service organizations were led in via an honor guard in processional format to start the evening's services. After all members were at their designated seats, various formalities were done that are needed prior to the Chaplin doing the invocation and scripture readings.

Once Chaplins Anthony Asselta of the Holtsville FD and John Fleischmann of S.C.V.F.A. were honored, the reading of the roll of deceased firefighters was commenced by the following S.C.V.F.A members: William Murray (Past President), Robert McConville (Past President), Robert Sutton (President), Eugene Perry (Past President), Vincent Ammirati (Second Vice President), Giovanni Chiarelli (Third Vice President), and Marybeth Asbell (President S.C Ladies Auxiliary).

Each time a name was read the bell was rang in the firefighter's honor. In addition, a red flower was placed on the Maltese Cross board in memory of the fallen. Following the reading of all the firefighters was the reading of the Ladies Auxiliary. This time instead of red, a white flower was placed on the firefighter’s Maltese Cross in honor of them. According to the program and its insert, about 15 Ladies Auxiliary members were remembered during the service.

Some closing remarks were then read and a Benediction was given by Chaplin Joseph McCarthy before the recessional hymn played and members were dismissed.