Thomas Buzek was born in 1927 and spent most of his life in Great Neck living in the Old Village.  He joined the Vigilant Fire Company in December of 1981.

Tom had many interest, including photography, sailing, gardening and model trains.  By far his greatest interest though was working with his hands as a mechanic on car and truck engines.  Tom worked in the 1940’s at Bryant and Harnell Chevy where
 Kolson and Korenge now sits. He later worked for Bob Lyons and, for many
years, at L&L Construction right across the street from the firehouse.

It was his love for working as a mechanic that made him such an asset to the Vigilant Fire Company.  There is not a nut, bolt or piece chrome on either of our two antiques, 836 and 833, that were not touched by Tom Buzek’s hands. It was Tom’s meticulous care given to those two fire engines that has a great deal to do with
how superior they look today.

Tom was by far, one of the most active members of the Vigilant Fire Company has ever had.  He was recognized numerous times for constantly having the highest percentage of calls and drills, especially between midnight and 7 AM.  It was because of this dedication that he was selected to be Fireman of the Year in 1988.  It was due to that same dedication that he was appointed as the Sergeant of the Fire Police Squad from
1988 until his death in 2000.

Besides being the Sergeant of the Fire Police, Tom was also elected to Sergeant-at-Arms in 1990 and 1991 and served as Trustee from 1992-1994.

Tom Buzek passed away on October 31, 2000.  The members of the Vigilant Fire Company granted him Life Membership in November 2000.

Tom is survived by his wife Justine and his two children, Thomas Jr. and Cathy.  He also had two stepchildren John and Eva as well as nine grandchildren
and nine great-grandchildren.