Brian Hickey- Class of 1972

Brian Hickey graduated BHS in 1972.  He joined the Bethpage Fire Department at the age of 18.  He was a volunteer in Bethpage for the next 30 years.

Brian then worked for Grumman before entering the United States Air Force where he served for four years.  When he returned he was able to join the New York Fire Department.  Almost simultaneously he was able to marry his high school sweetheart- Donna, another 1972 graduate of BHS.  Together they raised four children- Danny, Dennis, Jackie and Kevin- all of whom graduated from BHS.

Brian had a distinguished career with the NYFD.  He rose through the ranks earning the deep respect of his colleagues.  At the urging of Special Operations Chief Ray Downey, Captain Hickey was assigned to Rescue 4 in Queens as their commander. Rescue companies throughout the city rush to every major fire in the borough, not only to fight flames, but to save trapped civilians and firefighters.  In June 2001, Brian was seriously injured in a fire that claimed the lives of two men under his command.  Brian himself was forced to take a medical leave and only returned to the job on September 5, 2001. 

Brian was filling in for another captain on September 11, 2001, the day of the World Trade Center attacks.  He was killed on that day- along with 342 fellow firefighters- continuing the heroic work of responding to those in need and evacuating them to safety. 

Bethpage is honored to call him a Golden Eagle and the local post office is dedicated in his memory.