Kenneth Bleck Dedication Ceremony [5-7-17]

Nearly eight months after the passing of Great Neck Vigilant Engine, Hook, and Ladder Company President Kenneth Bleck a dedication ceremony was held in his honor on the afternoon of Sunday, May 7th, 2017. The recently put into service Ambulance 831 was dedicated in Bleck’s honor who passed away on September 15th, 2016 after a battle with cancer as a result of breathing in toxic dust at Ground Zero. Bleck was a 24-year member of the department [an officer for over 20 years], was named as an honorary chief this past August, and was well known for being the owner of Nu-Clear Cleaners in Great Neck. The dedication ceremony was held inside Grace Avenue Park in front of a memorial dedicated to Jonathan Lee Ielpi [who was a Great Neck Vigilant Fire Chief and member of FDNY Squad 288 that was killed in the September 11th terrorist attacks]. Aside from the dedication of the ambulance a nameplate bearing Kenneth Bleck was added to the memorial wall inside the park. On hand for the ceremony was Bleck’s wife Linda and his two daughters Jamie and Carrie. Also present was other family of Kenneth Bleck, a strong turnout from the Great Neck Vigilant Fire Company, and surrounding fire departments.