Cops: Firefighter dad, son stole smoke detectors

A father and son have been charged with stealing dozens of smoke detectors from the New Hyde Park Fire Department where the father serves as commissioner and the son is a volunteer firefighter, officials said Tuesday.

Fire Commissioner Michael Dolan, 68, of 1736 Aladdin Ave., surrendered to Nassau County police on Sunday and was charged with third-degree grand larceny.

His son, Michael J. Dolan, 32, of the same address, surrendered to police on Monday on the same charge.

The Dolans stole 65 Kidde brand smoke detectors June 21 from a secured room in the department firehouse at 1555 Jericho Tpke, according to police. Court papers put the value of the smoke detectors at $3,250.

Police did not immediately say what led them to arrest the father and son. The Dolans could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

A fire department spokesman referred inquiries to Joseph Frank, a lawyer who represents the fire district.

"It's a very difficult situation," said Frank, of Sapienza & Frank in Massapequa. Frank said he could not discuss details of the case.

Police said the elder Dolan was arraigned Monday in First District Court in Hempstead, where he was conditionally released to probation. His son was arraigned Tuesday and was released on his own recognizance.

Their next court appearance is set for July 27.

With Kery Murakami