If you have lived in New Hyde Park for most of your life, chances are you know someone whose home or even their life was save by Chief Edgar Teepee.
Teepee was honored last week for his 50 years at the New Hyde Park Fire Department.
No one knows for sure the number of calls that responded to in his lifetime as a firefighter and ambulance driver. At 69 he’s still driving ambulances. Teepee guesses that he responded to more than 5,000 calls since he retired nine years ago from his job at KeySpan.
Last week the New Hyde Park Fire Department made Teepee an “Honorary Chief.” It is an honor that he richly deserves.
“After 50 years of service, Honorary Chief Teepe continues to be a tremendous asset to the New Hyde Park Fire Department,” said New Hyde Park Fire Department Chief Robert Von Werne. “Chief Teepe has literally driven thousands of residents to area hospitals over the years. His level of participation and dedication to the department and community are unmatched.”
Teepe joined Protection Engine Company 2 at age 18 shortly after graduating from Sewanhaka High School. Like other young men, Teepee admits that he probably joined the fire department for the “thrill.” But whether he was responding to a fire or, like now, driving an ambulance, he found the joy and meaning that comes from public service.
We join New Hyde Park in saluting Chief Teepee for a lifetime of service.
