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Massapequa ___________
HERALD pOsT
Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge DECEMBER 25-31, 2024
$1.00
VOL. 73 NO. 50
HERALD PERSON OF THE YEAR CHARLIE MACKIE
What’s
INSIDE
Local historian and firefighter named ‘Person of the Year’ By Carolyn James
Police Officer Jonathan Diller mourned. Page 8
This month, Charlie Mackie and his wife Doreen became grandparents for the first time, welcoming their granddaughter, Madeline, into the world. For Mackie, the birth of his granddaughter was a poignant reminder of the values that have always guided his life: family, community, and the preservation of the history of Massapequa, the town he calls home. But Mackie’s commitment to these values goes far beyond words. As a paramedic, firefighter, EMS instructor, and chairman of the Nassau County EMS Council, Mackie has dedicated his life to helping others. More recently, as president of the Massapequa Historical Society, he has worked tirelessly to safeguard the town’s rich history. For his efforts, Charlie Mackie has been named the Masse is an apequa Herald’s Person of the Year. “Charlie Mackie has been a conamazing stant asset to the Massapequa Fire person who is a Department as a fireman and officer, tremendous asset answering both fire calls and EMS rescue calls for many years,” said to our community. Mike Hanna, a longtime member of the Massapequa Board of Fire Com- He is respected missioners. “Charlie served as capfor his career, his tain of Company #1, following in the volunteer work, footsteps of his dad, Chuck, who also and his leadership served as a fireman, officer, and then commissioner of the department.” with the historical The Mackie family legacy in the society, among community runs deep. Mackie’s mother, Linda Kay, and his sister, Jill, many other community groups. were vital members of the Massapequa Fire Department Ladies Joseph Saladino Auxiliary, each serving as president Oyster Bay and holding other leadership roles for many years. Mackie and his wife Town Supervisor have three children, two who live in Massapequa, a son Kevin, who is a nurse and a Massapequa Historical Society member, and a daughter, Kaitilin, also a nurse who lives in Massapequa. A second daughter, Kristin lives in Miami and is an artist. Mackie’s impact, however, extends far beyond his immediate family and the firehouse. He has long been a dedicated member of the Massapequa Historical Society, and over the past decade, he has been instrumental in helping to preserve the properties on the Old Grace Church complex on Merrick Road, Massapequa. “I had the opportunity of reconnecting with Charlie after he was appointed a Trustee for the Historical Society of the Massapequas,” said Don Nobile, a retired Massapequa
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MHS student Ryan Kean is honored. Page 14
MHS student Nathan Wachter recognized.
Page 6
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teacher who had Mackie his class history when he attended Ames Junior High School. “Over the last decade or so, Charlie has been a prime mover in the success of the Society. Even before serving as President, he was always a presence, giving assistance in every aspect of the Society’s plans and activities. Charlie is always available to run an errand, meet with a member, call a contractor, return a phone call, and do whatever it took to help the Society succeed. He is truly the glue that holds us together.” Mackie became president of the Massapequa Historical Society in 2016, taking over for Billy Colfer, who had served in the role for nine years. Colfer recognized the importance of ushering in a new generation of leadership. “While I had been a member of the society and a Trustee, I didn’t know if I could undertake the job,” Mackie recalled. “He told me, ‘Just keep doing what you’ve been doing.’” As president, Mackie has been instrumental in the preservation of the town’s historic Old Grace Church and the surrounding cemetery. In 2016, the buildings were at risk Continued on page 2 Carolyn James/Herald
Charlie Mackie, whose volunteer work in the Massapequa comes from a deep sense of love for the community and a hope to help preserve iits history.