Former Plainview Fire Chief James Mertz was honored this weekend for his many years of service at the Plainview department's awards dinner.
Mertz was honored with a citation by Town of Oyster Bay Receiver of Taxes James Stefanich Saturday night at the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department Annual Inspection and Awards Dinner. Mertz was honored for his "dedication and leadership As Chief of Department in 2009 and 2010.
Chief Mertz comes from a long line of firefighters. He is a graduate of Plainview- Old Bethpage High School, Class of 1974, and joined the Plainview Fire Department that same year.
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He rose to the rank of captain in 1986, serving for two years until his election as 2nd deputy chief in 2005. He became 1st deputy chief in 2007 and was named Chief of Department in 2009.
He is married to his wife, Leigh, and have two sons.
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He works for Keane Inc., a software company that deals in health care patient accounting.
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