‘We lost a brother.’ Friends, loved ones remember ‘Rookie of the Year’ firefighter at Hagerman FD
Family, friends and fellow firefighters who are gathered to honor and remember Christopher Hlavaty, say he was always helping people.
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Loved ones paid their final respects Saturday afternoon at the Hagerman Fire Department in East Patchogue to volunteer firefighter Christopher Hlavaty who was with the department for two years.
Family, friends and fellow firefighters who are gathered to honor and remember Hlavaty, say he was always helping people.
Police say Hlavaty was killed when he was struck by a car while riding his newly purchased motorcycle in Patchogue. Family members say he was on his way to help a friend with his truck.
Police say 36-year-old Maria Guallpa-Bonilla, of Bellport, was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of an incident involving a fatality.
Just last month, Hlavaty was recognized by the Hagerman Fire Department as Rookie of the Year.
Tim Dunham, chief of the Hagerman Fire Department, said, “It’s a tremendous loss for the department and the community. He made lifelong friends here. Even though you knew him for two years, you felt like you knew him for 20. He’s part of our family, and we lost a brother.”
Hlavaty had plans to join the National Guard and take the FDNY test one day.
A large firematic service is being held Saturday night. Over 15 fire departments, including hundreds of firefighters, will hold a final salute to the late firefighter.
