Don't Miss: Barbecue, Chinese Auction Fundraiser for Firefighter, Friend

The Southold Fire Department is coming together in force Saturday to help a man who has dedicated his life to saving others.

Members of the Southold Fire Department are rallying to help a dear friend and his family. A fundraiser has been organized for August 10 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Southold firehouse for Frank Locotondo — a 20-year veteran of the department who is facing the greatest challenge of his life as he battles frontal lobe dementia, said Southold Fire Department First Assistant Chief Peggy Killian.

Tickets to the old-fashioned country barbecue cost $50 and include chicken, hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, corn, soda, beer and wine. A "huge" Chinese auction will include high-end prizes including Long Island Ducks tickets with great seats, food and beverages, jewelry from Robert's Jewelers, a fishing tour, and lots more.

Tickets to the fundraiser can be purchased at Wendy's Deli in Mattituck, the Southold Pharmacy, Eastern Tire in Cutchogue, at the firehouse in Southold or by calling 631-765-3385.

Locrotondo, 55, is Killian's long-time business partner at Eastern Tire in Cutchogue, as well as in the fire department, but his illness has rendered him unable to work or ro serve with his comrades fighting fires.

"He can't speak," Killian said. "He's lost his ability to reason, to do things."

Locrotondo's illness is hard to grasp, she said. "I've spent so much time crying," Killian said.

Donations have come flooding in from a caring community that wants to give back to a man who has always come to their rescue, Killian said.

"Frank has always been the most cheery, nicest guy," she said. "He would drop everything to do something for anyone who needed anything. If he was called to a rescue at 3 a.m., he was there."

Locrotondo is also beloved by his family, Killian said, including his wife Cindy — the couple, who moved to Southold in 1991, were teen sweethearts and started dating right after high school -- four children and six grandchildren. "He would do anything for his kids," Killian said. "They did everything together as a family," including trips to Florida, she said.

Reflecting on the longtime friendship she has shared with Locrotondo, Killian's voice filled with tears, leaving her speechless with sadness.

"It's horrible," she said.

Locrotondo was a longtime training officer with the Southold Fire Department, had served as captain and had been through the ranks. He was also an EMS instructor for Suffolk County for 15 years. He was close to a well-deserved stint as chief when illness overtook him, Killian said.

"The fire department is his whole life. He's an awesome fireman, probably the best," she said.

Perhaps Locrotondo's most notable rescue, Killian said, was when he responded to a maternity call, where the baby was born before he arrived. "They were afraid; the baby wasn't breathing," Killian said. "The father handed the baby to Frank, who started CPR — and saved the baby's life."

Later, grateful family members went to the garage and gave Locrotondo a photo of the baby.

"He never backed down, no matter what kind of call," Killian said.

Community member Susan Tyler remembered fondly how Locrotondo was one of those who showed up at 4:30 a.m. after she delivered her baby at home.

Locrotondo, who was born in Smithtown, is a history buff. "He swore in his former life he was in Gettysburg," Killian said, smiling through her tears. "He knew more about the fire department than people who've been there for nearly 100 years," she said. "He has always been so happy and upbeat. He'd do anything for anyone."

In a public service message, Southold Fire Captain Joe McCarthy announced the fundraiser. 

"Frank could always be counted on to render exceptional assistance," whether fighting fires, treating the sick or injured, or in training, McCarthy said. "Now it's our turn to help him and his family. Frank is suffering a debilitating illness and he needs our help."

He added, "He has spent a good part of his life helping other in need."