Steven Carss, an ex-captain of the Garden City Volunteer Fire Department passed away on May 13.
Steve joined the fire department in 1983 and volunteered for 29 years, rising through the ranks to Captain. He also served as the fire department's secretary for more than a decade, a position he held at the time of his passing.
“We lost a member of our family, a long serving dedicated volunteer, who gave himself unselfishly to the village for nearly 30 years," said current Garden City Fire Chief Charles Cavarra. "He will be missed.”
In addition to being a former Captain and Department Secretary, Steve also was a driver operator of the engine, heavy rescue and ladder trucks.
Carss was a "much-loved son of Helen and Don, a beloved brother of Bob and Ellen, a devoted godfather of Brian, Matt and Sarah, and a proud member of the Garden City volunteer fire department," according to an obituary that was published on May 15 in Newsday.
On a memorial page established in his honor, family and friends paid tribute to Carss.
"The courage and determination you showed in the face of adversity, the way you lived your life with such quiet dignity and a smile on your face regardless of the circumstances will stay with us always," wrote his brother, Bob, of North Carolina. He added,"Every day, things you taught me help me be a better person, a better father. You loved my children as if they were your own and did it in such a kind, gentle way."
John Adams wrote, "He was a kind, gentle, and giving person. He gave in his profession and he gave at the Fire Department. Garden City and the world will be a bit colder place because of his loss.I will miss his smile and wave whenever I saw him on his many, many walkabouts."
Kenny Luke, a fellow firefighter whose friendship with Carss began when they were students at Garden City High School wrote, "Steve always had an understated bravery, a smile on his face and a kind word for his friends and family."
"We called Steve the Supreme Commander around the firehouse," stated Len Riveria. "He was always on top of his game and gave so much to our organization. Steve was a great friend and brother firefighter; he will be missed."
