Text and Photos by Steve Silverman

The Dix Hills Fire Department mourned the line-of-duty death of Ex-Captain Walter Hessling‚ on November 27‚ 2009. Hessling‚ 54‚ was a 32-year dedicated firefighter with the department’s Engine Company #2. Hessling suffered a stroke resulting in a cardiac arrest at his home on November 21‚ after responding on a call for a motor vehicle accident.

Hessling was revived by his fellow firefighters who began C.P.R. and Advanced Life Support‚ after answering the call that he collapsed. Hessling was transported to Huntington Hospital and later transferred to North Shore L.I.J. Hospital in Manhasset. His brother firefighters maintained an around-the-clock vigil at the hospital‚ where he passed away due to complications on November 27.

The wake was held with a well-attended firematic service on Tuesday evening‚ December 1‚ at the A.L. Jacobsen Funeral Home in Huntington Station. The funeral was held Wednesday‚ December 2‚ at St. Elizabeth R.C. Church in Melville‚ with burial following at St. Charles Cemetery in East Farmingdale.

Hessling was remembered as a very kind and dedicated firefighter who served as a driver trainer‚ former benevolent trustee and rescue squad member‚ and was known for his culinary skills at the firehouse. He also helped raise funds for firefighters in need.

Second Assistant Chief Tom Magno‚ a longtime friend who knew Hessling since he joined the department‚ said‚ ‘Walter was dependable and always finished the task that was put forth to him. Once Walter befriended you‚ you had a friend for life.’

In 1984‚ Hessling was awarded the ‘Firefighter of the Year’ by Engine Company # 2. Hessling worked as an audio-visual engineer and was a very devoted son to his widowed mother‚ Hermine.

Ex-Chief and Commissioner Phil Tepe remembered Walter as a ‘good driver and pump operator‚ who trained many of the younger members and showed them the ropes.’

‘Walter was the kind of person who looked out for his community and truly loved the fire department‚’ said Chief Robert Adcock. ‘He will be truly missed by the department.’