Anthony D'Esposito: “I rise this evening to pay tribute to Michael R. Masone, an ex-chief of the Island Park Fire Department, the same…”

“I rise this evening to pay tribute to Michael R. Masone, an ex-chief of the Island Park Fire Department, the same department that I proudly served for the last 23 years. This weekend back home in Island Park, we are going to rededicate our beloved local beach in his honor. The ex-Chief Michael R. Masone Beach was named for a man who back in 1942, when he served as chief of our great department, resigned. He resigned as chief to do something far greater, and that was to serve this Nation in World War II. He returned home and married the love of his life, Sue, and they lived in Island Park for decades. He was the senior member of our department when he passed away, serving over 70 years. His nickname in Island Park was ``The Hawk,'' and we called him ``The Hawk'' because he always kept a watchful eye on our beloved community. Mr. Speaker, I look forward this weekend to joining neighbors, loved ones, family, friends, and fellow Island Parkers in, once again, paying tribute to a true American hero, someone whom we all aspire to be back in Island Park, ex-Chief Michael R. Masone. ____________________”