The Rockland Community is mourning the loss of a firefighter who dedicated 54 years of service to the community.

A wake was held for Joe Maragliano who passed away at the age of 75 over the weekend.

He spent his entire career with Empire Hook and Ladder Company in Upper Nyack.

"He leaves a big hole, in the fire service, there is a lack of people to volunteer, so the fact that he was with it for 54 years is a testament to how dedicated he was,” says Paul Wanamaker, a former chief of Nyack Fire Department.

A graveside service will be held on Friday in Rockland lake.