Wantagh Chamber Honors Man of the Year, Nassau County Heroes

After raising $100,000 at a benefit recognizing owner John Murray Jr. last November, the started a scholarship fund for deserving members of the local community.

Last Thursday, the chamber hosted its first annual Winter Ball to honor the memory of three men and their families who hold a special place in the heart of Wantagh.

Hundreds of guests gathered at Westbury Manor to remember "Man of the Year" Jack Poyer, a 30-year Meenan Oil employee and longtime friend of the Wantagh organization, along with Michael Califano of Wantagh and Steven Linzer of Levittown, who both served for the Nassau County Police Department.

Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg, R-Merrick, shared a few brief words to remember the honorees at last week's ceremony.

"There's a famous saying, 'You make a living by what you make, you make a life by what you give'." said Denenberg, who covers the southern portion of Wantagh. "Jack Poyer, Michael Califano and Steve Linzer made unbelievable lives and it's appropriate that we celebrate their lives tonight."

Officer Califano was struck and killed in the line of duty while conducting a vehicle and traffic law stop in Old Westbury, leaving his wife and three sons behind. Linzer, a decorated Nassau County Police Department paramedic who was also a former volunteer with the , within 12 hours of contracting a fast-spreading infection, also leaving his wife and three children. 

According to Wantagh Chamber of Commerce president Christopher Brown, the tragedies that hit the community this year served as the perfect opportunity to open the scholarship fund. Each child received a $1,000 savings bond.

"What better people to recognize than two heroes that gave their lives serving us?" Brown said. "They were protecting us day in and day out. These men have left a huge mark here."

Poyer lost a valiant battle with cancer this past May, when the chamber had already planned to recognize him with the "Man of the Year" award.

"Jack has done some tremendous work with the chamber throughout the years," Brown explained of the time Poyer volunteered to the community.

Kerry Dochnahl, an employee of Meenan Oil, said she felt honored to know and work with Poyer.

"He touched the heart of every single person he came in contact with," Dochnahl said.