Bethpage Park Named After Local Fallen Firefighter

OYSTER BAY, NY — Oyster Bay officials have dedicated a Bethpage park to an FDNY firefighter who died in the line of duty four years ago.

The park, located on Crestline Avenue, is now named Firefighter William N. Tolley Memorial Park.

Tolley, a 14-year veteran of the FDNY who grew up in Bethpage, died on April 20, 2017, from injuries he sustained while fighting a fire in Queens. He is survived by his wife, Marie, and their daughter, Isabella.

"Firefighter Tolley was loved and respected by his family, our residents, and his brothers and sisters in the fire service," said Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino. "He had a unique ability to connect with people and felt a tremendous sense of duty as a firefighter to stand up for those in need."

With the support of the Fire and Drums Foundation — a nonprofit founded by Tolley's brother, Robert — the Town of Oyster Bay refurbished the park to include a new basketball court, entrance pathways, and new playground equipment.

Some of the equipment was built to look like a fire engine. Officials say it was donated by the Fire and Drums Foundation to honor firefighters and inspire young people to become first responders.

"William was and always will be a true American hero," Saladino said. "This parklet dedication symbolizes the Town of Oyster Bay's vast appreciation for Firefighter Tolley and all of our brave first responders."