When James Callahan, of Malverne, passed away in May at the age of 42, he left behind a wife, four young children and many others who admired him as a family member, friend and leader.
But as deputy mayor for the village of Malverne and commissioner of Emergency Management for all of Nassau County, the plans he created, the work he so committed himself to, continue to have a lasting impact on many.
"Here's a person who dedicated his life to something he believed in, something that would save other lives," Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano told the local officials and loved ones of Callahan gathered outside the OEM headquarters in Bethpage Monday, where a mobile command center was dedicated in his name.
"As life would have it after Jim passed we were tested here," Mangano, added, explaining how the County relied on Callahan's plans when Hurricane Irene threatened Long Island last month.
"I truly doubt that anyone can do the job as well as Jim simply because he loved his work so much and was so devoted to it," his widow, Patricia Callahan said. "I do wish his successor the best of luck in trying to fill the shoes that Jim leaves behind."
Watch the video report above of the dedication ceremony.
