Allen R. Frye‚ 31‚ volunteer captain‚ Roslyn Rescue Hook & Ladder Company‚ No. 1‚ died March 25‚ 2002‚ when a vehicle struck him as he participated in a training drill. He served with the department for seven years and enjoyed taking younger firemen under his wing. Frye was chosen 1998 Firefighter of the Year for the Fifth Battalion for saving a woman from her burning home. Very involved in community relations‚ he organized the department’s annual open house and its children’s Christmas party and coordinated fire prevention classes at area elementary schools. He worked as a plumber and enjoyed playing football‚ basketball‚ and softball. He was known in the department as a leader‚ a teacher‚ and a true gentleman.
Scores of white-gloved firemen in dress blue uniforms turned out in Glen Head to pay their final respects to Capt. Frye. He was eulogized by Chief Peter Liotta of the Roslyn Rescue Fire Company as a leader who was revered by his peers and a teacher who was admired by his men.
– Mary Manasakis“Everyone knew him as ‘Big Al'” said Chief Liotta addressing the hundreds of family members friends firefighters and Nassau County police officers who attended the funeral at St. Hyacinth’s Church. “But Big Al referred more to the size and depths of his heart than it did his physical stature” he added fighting back tears.
Capt. Frye joined Roslyn Rescue in 1995 and quickly rose through the ranks being promoted to lieutenant in 1997 and to captain in 2001. In 1998 Capt. Frye was awarded the coveted Firefighter of the Year Award from the Fifth Battalion for his heroic efforts in pulling an elderly woman out of her burning home in Roslyn Harbor.
According to ex-Captain Jon Sendach Capt. Frye was also heavily involved with community relations organizing the annual Open House which is timed to Fire Prevention Month in Oktober. Each year the Roslyn Fire Company’s Open House is a community favorite and gives adults and children alike a chance to tour the fire stations talk to firefighters and EMT’s and learn basic fire prevention techniques and tips. Capt. Frye was also responsible for the perennial Children’s Christmas Party and coordinated fire prevention classes at area elementary schools.
Capt. Frye was admired by all those in the fire company but especially by the cadre of probationary firefighters who remembered him as someone who enjoyed taking younger firemen under his wing while helping them learn the basics of the job. In published reports Capt. Frye’s fellow firefighters also remembered him as one of the fire company’s more energetic members. A plumber by trade Capt. Frye showed up for duty at Roslyn Rescue after completing a full day’s work. He enjoyed taking part in pickup football basketball and softball games.
“Capt. Frye was a distinguished leader and a true gentleman” said Mr. Sendach. “Our men and women who lost a lovable role model last week and two others in September are doing all they can to make sense of this tragedy and are looking for a way to move on with dignity in spite of it.”
Knocking on heavens door to see and hear your voice even if its short I don’t care.At least I get to see you again.
– Mary ManasakisMiss and love you SON
A great man and a true friend Who will always be loved and never forgotten! I think of you often Allen And you will never be replaced. My prayers are always with your mom ,brother ,sister , Wife and children and I promise you my brother if they ever do need me I will be there just like I know you would be there for mine…….
– John