In 2021, the Patchogue Fire Department’s 40 Thieves Drill team were calling it a comeback after a 14-year layoff.
But just three years later, in 2024, the drill team, which has a rich and …
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In 2021, the Patchogue Fire Department’s 40 Thieves Drill team were calling it a comeback after a 14-year layoff.
But just three years later, in 2024, the drill team, which has a rich and successful history, has again disbanded, much to the dismay of current and former members.
The team made their return to firematic competition at the Fireman’s Memorial Park in Ridge, in 2021. Before that, the 40 Thieves did not compete since September 2007.
The original reason was due to a lack of manpower and other “assorted issues.”
At that time, PFD members Bill Champlin IV, Mike Pinkney and Tyler Grauer, among others, began the process of obtaining donations, equipment, and getting the members of the department interested to join.
According to Champlin on the Patchogue 40 Thieves Drill Team Alumni Facebook page, they are still looking to meet and come to an agreement to continue the team.
“This is a great team, with a rich tradition that earned its way back to the track, and we are looking to preserve that moving forward,” he wrote on the page after the announcement.
Former member Ronnie Lang served on the drill team from 1987 to 1992. He said he remembers his son was born on the Saturday of Aug. 17, 1991, the day they won the state championship in Hagerman.
“I’m sad to see it stop, especially that they just built a brand-new C truck and haven’t put it on the track as of yet and this was going be the first year,” he said of the disbandment. “They were doing so well. I was excited to see what the team was going to do as a former member.”
Aside from the new truck, the team’s crown jewel was the purchase of a 1970 Chevrolet Class B Pumper to compete with, after the longtime 40 Thieves 1949 Ford Class B Pumper was retired after 2007.
The Patchogue Fire Department used the drill team as a positive recruitment tool for young people who may want to join and volunteer.
Champlin and several members of the department and drill team have declined to comment and referred official comment to the chief of the department; however, the chief of the department, Frank Densing, could not be reached for comment, despite several attempts.
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xeuclidhoser3
I do believe that it was the decision by Board of Fire Commissioners that Disband the Racing Team n not the Team members. I understand that the Chief’s of the Department and members aren’t allowed to speak to the media about their side on this disbandment. Won’t make public announcements about mtg’s so the public can voice their opinions. I’m an Alumni of the 40 Thieves and I do believe the media should be allowed to talk to the members , after all they shouldn’t have anything to hide from the public.
Monday, June 17 Report this