Smithtown FD-Ex Chief and Commissioner Roland Lahann passes

January 18, 2011 Roland Lahann was 75 years old and owned Lahann’s Auto Body. He served as Chief of Department from 1977-79. He was past President of both the Suffolk Fire Chiefs Council and the Smithtown Fire Chiefs Council. Lahann was an active member of Engine Company 3 until the time of his death. Lahann was born in Manhasset and moved with his parents to Smithtown while in High School. His father founded Lahanns Auto Body Shop on Jericho Turnpike in 1950. Roland took over the business. From 1953-57, Lahann served in the U.S. Air Force working as an aircraft mechanic.
Lahann met his wife Violet in 1957 and they had two children, Donnalee and Robert (who now operates the body shop). Lahann joined the department in 1953. He bacame a Commissioner in 1992 and served as such until 2000.