Kenneth Okvist, 48, Lake Ronkonkoma 
 How long have you lived in Ronkonkoma? 48 years. 
 How long have you been a member of the Ronkonkoma Fire Department? I’ve been a fireman for 28 years. My grandfather joined the department in 1926. I’m the third generation and my daughter is the fourth. We are the only fourth generation family in the department. 
 I’ve been told that the fire deparments are an important factor in this community, do you feel that way? They are the most important one. 
 How so? We’re here in good times and of course, all your bad times. We give back. We are constantly giving for the people in this district. 
 Why did you decide to stay in Ronkonkoma as you got older? My good friends and all my family stayed here. And I’m not a city person. I just wouldn’t go anywhere else. 
 What is it about the area that makes you all love it so much? For the longest time, there wasn’t much to love. But it’s coming back. Younger people are moving in. There is more going on. It’s just a nicer place to live than it was 20 years ago. 
 How would you define the character of the community? Pride. A lot of pride is coming back. People are proud of Ronkonkoma and you can see it and feel it with all of these community groups that are coming up to help make the place better.

Kenneth Okvist, 48, Lake Ronkonkoma How long have you lived in Ronkonkoma? 48 years. How long have you been a member of the Ronkonkoma Fire Department? I’ve been a fireman for 28 years. My grandfather joined the department in 1926. I’m the third generation and my daughter is the fourth. We are the only fourth generation family in the department. I’ve been told that the fire deparments are an important factor in this community, do you feel that way? They are the most important one. How so? We’re here in good times and of course, all your bad times. We give back. We are constantly giving for the people in this district. Why did you decide to stay in Ronkonkoma as you got older? My good friends and all my family stayed here. And I’m not a city person. I just wouldn’t go anywhere else. What is it about the area that makes you all love it so much? For the longest time, there wasn’t much to love. But it’s coming back. Younger people are moving in. There is more going on. It’s just a nicer place to live than it was 20 years ago. How would you define the character of the community? Pride. A lot of pride is coming back. People are proud of Ronkonkoma and you can see it and feel it with all of these community groups that are coming up to help make the place better.

News

People of Ronkonkoma: Kenneth Okvist

Ronkonkoma

Newsday

Okvist

Homepage Trending

Halloween events on LI

Deported: Immigration on LI

Wallet Watch

Working moms

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

Video of two Suffolk police officers joining a group of teens playing soccer goes viral. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

Chance encounter turns into viral video

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Co-Owner, Dough & Co. Pizza to try the Apple Bay Pizza, which is exclusive to their Oyster Bay location.

Trendy Bites: An apple pie ... pizza?

High school athletes striving to play sports in college might want to look at niche sports that give them a better chance. NewsdayTV's Jared Valluzzi reports.

Niche sports might get you a leg up to play at college level

Islandia village officials have cleared the path to build a mixed-use development with hundreds of housing units and 50 hotel rooms on 13 acres of vacant land near Jake's 58 casino. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

Path cleared for 366-unit housing project near Jake's 58 casino

NewsdayTV's Carissa Kellman explores the historic and festive charm of Sleepy Hollow during a fall day trip.

A hauntingly good time in Sleepy Hollow

According to Babylon town tax documents, the proposed increase will cost the average household about $115 a year. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Proposed property tax hike in Babylon

NewsdayTV's Andi Berlin tried some new martini combinations at Beacon in Long Beach.

Design your own martini at this Long Beach speakeasy

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits a vineyard in Cutchogue featuring on-site B&B accommodations.

Out East: Sannino Vineyard

Billy Joel will be auctioning off more than 70 motorcycles at Gooding Christie's in Manhattan next month. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger got a sneak peek at three.

A sneak peek of Billy Joel's motorcycles going to auction next month

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visits Das Biergarten in Long Beach.

It's Oktoberfest every day at this Long Beach restaurant

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

Missed signs in death of little girl? ... Crossing the Island in one day on public transportation ... Out East: Safe space for animals ... Gelato recall at area supermarkets

Missed signs in death of little girl? ... Crossing the Island in one day on public transportation ... Out East: Safe space for animals

News - megaslot

Newsday has the most up-to-date stories on Long Island & NTC. Join us & stay current with news articles on sports, business, health, technology & more.

Stay logged in.