Ex-Bethpage Fire Department Chief Michael Croan Sr. Dies At 78

BETHPAGE, NY — Michael Croan, Sr., ex-chief of the Bethpage Volunteer Fire Department, died Dec. 11 at the age of 78.

Croan Sr. joined the Bethpage Volunteer Fire Department on Dec. 8, 1959 and has actively served the community ever since, according to officials. He was assigned to Engine Company 2, becoming 2nd lieutenant in 1969, 1st lieutenant in 1970 and captain from 1971 to 1973. He went on to become an assistant chief, and eventually chief of department in 1983.

After holding every rank in the Bethpage Volunteer Fire Department, Croan Sr. successfully ran for a seat on the Board of Fire Commissioners. He served five years from 1987 through 1992 as a fire commissioner. When his term was complete, he became involved with the Fire Police Unit, the Training Committee and the Hazardous Materials Decontamination Team. In 2007, Mike received an Outstanding Firefighter Award from Nassau County. It was awarded to firefighters who dedicated themselves to saving the lives and properties of others.

Additionally, in 2007, he was awarded the New York State Assembly Firefighter Achievement Award for his dedication and commitment to the Bethpage Volunteer Fire Department and his community.

Croan Sr. was born one month before the attack on Pearl Harbor. All these years later, he's still made time to protect his community and serve as a role model for the new generation of firefighters.

Croan Sr. is survived by his wife Betty, children Laura (Bill), Michael (Traci), Carol (John) and Lisa, and his grandchildren Thomas, Elizabeth, Sean, Emily, Ashlynn and Matthew, and his brother Jerry (Carolyn).