Michael Fischer, a 38-year veteran volunteer for the Island Park Fire Department, was often described as a guy who would do anything for anyone. He would always be there, whether it was at community events for his department or a barbecue with friends, Fischer, better known as Fish, would never miss the opportunity to share laughs and a good time.
Even on his last day, Fischer was participating in a community fundraiser for an Oceanside Fire Department commissioner and his infant son, who has a rare form of cancer.
Fischer joined Island Park FD in 2013, following in the footsteps of his grandfather and uncle. He had served as captain from 2019 to 2020. Shortly after his death on August 14, he was posthumously promoted to honorary chief, a decision made by department head Donny Cardineau.
“I felt he deserved it, even though he wouldn’t have wanted to draw attention,” Cardineau said. “He was very humble, but it was something special that I wanted to do. I know it would have meant something to him.
Former IPFD Chief Anthony D’Esposito, now Hempstead Councilman and Congressional candidate, who performed the promotion ceremony, said, “On behalf of Chief Cardineau and the Island Park Fire Department and a grateful Island Park Village, we present this flag in honor of Honorary Chief Michael Fischer for his service, dedication and love of the community.”
Cardineau met Fischer when Fischer joined the department, and they quickly became close friends. Cardineau said he would remember Fischer for being a people person — he knew everyone and everyone knew him, and, Cardineau said, he made friends wherever he went.
Fischer’s chef’s fondest memories are Cardineau’s annual Fourth of July barbecues. He invited the entire department and members hung out in his garden late into the night. Fischer was still there, Cardineau said, sharing a laugh with the other firefighters.
“After all my barbecues, we were always like, ‘Hey, Fish, come get the cooler and bring it to the next party,'” Cardineau recalled. “So he would show up in his van, we would drag him to his truck, and whatever was left in the cooler would go to the house next door. We were just hanging out and laughing a lot. There were times when you didn’t even have to ask her; he would show himself just. He was still there.
After a department morning training with young recruits on August 14, Fischer rode a company motor for a fundraiser to eat clams at Peter’s Clam Bar for Cooper, the infant son of commissioner Michael Graham, suffering from cancer.
There he suffered an apparent heart attack. His fellow firefighters tried to revive him without success.
Fischer was the first Island Park firefighter to die in the line of duty. Many attended his wake, at Christopher T. Jordan’s funeral home on Long Beach Road on August 17, and his funeral the following morning at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. The church was packed, filled with family, friends and firefighters, in their full dress. All week, flags were flown at half-mast at county facilities in honor of Fischer.
Cardineau recalls the last conversation he and Fischer had at the event as being in good spirits, as they joked around with each other. This is how he will remember their friendship, Cardineau said, as a person with lots of laughs. He added that on his last day, Fischer was at a community event, surrounded by his friends — or extended family. Cardineau explained that firefighters consider the station as a big family.
“He will be greatly missed at all department functions, or even at personal parties with our friends,” Cardineau said. “It will never be the same.”
Fischer was born and raised in Island Park. He graduated from West Hempstead High School and attended Nassau Community College. He had also worked for the county public works department.
At his funeral, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the manner in which he died reflected the life he had lived. “At the time of his death, he was involved in a fundraiser for a young boy with cancer,” Blakeman said, “and it was indicative of the type of person he was: always giving of himself for the good of the community and the people who live in Island Park and Nassau County, so we are here to honor a firefighter and a humanitarian.
Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty described how heartbreaking loss Fischer’s death is for the community. “Honorary Chief Fischer was a fine example of a volunteer firefighter: always willing to give of himself and lead by example how it should be done,” McGinty said. “He is truly missed by this community and the firefighters who served with him. May he always rest in peace.”
Fischer is survived by two sisters, Tiffany Fischer and Allison George. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Patricia Fischer. He was buried alongside his parents in Greenfield Cemetery in Westbury.
