Clarence “Larry” Fischer joined the Vigilant Fire Company in 1957, three years later he was elected Second Lieutenant. Over the next ten years, he advanced through the ranks and became Chief of Department in 1970. During those ten years, he was involved in fighting some of the largest fires in the history of the department. These included: Jamaica Gas & Electric, Laven Stock Paint Store, and the Squire Restaurant fire, which may be to date, the largest fire in the history of the Vigilant Fire Company.

When not fighting fires, Larry was very much involved in the day to day activities of the fire company. He spent a lot of time at the firehouse; he was always available to the members who were interested in learning aspects of firefighting, or perhaps how to operate a backhoe! However, Larry’s second favorite pastime was playing pool. He could often be found in the rear of the firehouse, where the pool table was in those days, holding class on the finer points of rotation.

The members were always welcomed at Larry’s home. As you came through the door, you would be greeted with the words, “wannacupacoffee”. The coffee in Larry’s home was reputed to be the best in town (A claim which to this day goes unchallenged). Many hours were spent at the kitchen table discussing the philosophy of friction loss, politics, and concepts of firefighting. All of this took place over copious amount of that famous coffee! It was here where many learned what being a Vigilant really meant. Larry taught the meaning of brotherhood, not only in word but in deed.

During his tenure as Chief, Larry was in charge of several “Signal 10s”. Among them were the Ocean Fair restaurant fire, and the St. Paul’s church fire. There was also tactical, and other changes made during this time which remain “SOP” to this day. This was a very busy time in the history of the Vigilant Fire Company, but Larry was adept at sharing his time between the fire company, his wife Joanne,
and his daughters Sharon and Sheila.

Upon completion of his tenure as Chief, Larry and his family moved to Setauket, L.I. where he joined the Setauket Fire Department. There for twenty years, he worked and taught the members of that department about friction loss, rotation, and good coffee! Then, in 1992, Larry and Joanne move to Anderson, South Carolina, and fulfilled their life long dream of building their own home. Larry then joined his third fire department, Center Rock Volunteer Fire Department. Center Rock learned what Setauket and the Vigilant fire departments had experienced before them. That this really was good coffee, and this man was kind, generous, and had a sense of humor which could make anybody feel as ease in his presence.

Larry Fischer was all that personified the very best of the volunteer fire service. We are proud to have known him.