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‘Touch-A-Truck’ fuels volunteer recruitment

BELLMORE HERALD — May 8, 2025

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Over the weekend, Nassau County’s Sixth Battalion welcomed families and future first responders alike at its third annual “Touch-A-Truck” event — a lively recruitment and community awareness initiative held oat East Meadow High School. The Sixth Battalion includes 10 volunteer fire departments — Bellmore, East Meadow, Levittown, Massapequa, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Massapequa, North Merrick, Seaford, and Wantagh — and is supported by the Bellmore-Merrick and Wantagh-Levittown volunteer ambulance corps. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the school’s grounds were transformed into a showcase of emergency response vehicles, fire apparatus, and interactive displays. The event was part of the statewide RecruitNY Weekend, an effort by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York to address the pressing need for more volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel across the state. Hundreds of attendees, including prospective recruits, families with young children, and longtime supporters of the volunteer fire service, had the opportunity to engage with the equipment and speak one-on-one with current volunteers about what it takes to serve. Children eagerly climbed aboard fire trucks and ambulances, tried on gear, and met local heroes — giving the event both a festive and educational atmosphere. “Recruitment and retention are critical to the future of the volunteer fire service,” said Chief Matt Giudice of the Levittown Fire Department, who also serves as chairperson of the Sixth Battalion. “By working together as a battalion, we amplify our outreach and strengthen the pipeline of dedicated individuals ready to serve their communities. ‘Touch-A-Truck’ is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration.” In addition to raising awareness about the need for more volunteers, the event served as a platform to highlight the benefits available to those who serve. These include property-tax exemptions, state income-tax credits, scholarships for Nassau Community College students, free training and health checkups, and a length-of-service award program offering monthly stipends based on years of service. Organizers emphasized that beyond these incentives, the true reward lies in the service itself. Many volunteers use their training as a springboard into professional careers in firefighting, emergency medical services, and law enforcement. Saturday’s event was a celebration of community, service, and the next generation of emergency responders — one that left an impression on visitors of all ages and reinforced the vital role volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel play in keeping Nassau County safe.

Mike Monahan/Herald photos

Departments from across the Sixth Battalion in Nassau County attended a ‘Touch-a-Truck’ event as part of recruitment efforts. The event has held at East Meadow High School.

Touch-A-Truck highlights volunteer recruitment The Sixth Battalion’s third annual “Touch-A-Truck” event took place on Saturday, April 26, at East Meadow High School, drawing community members for a day of hands-on fun and firefighter recruitment.

Members of the community were able to meet and interact with the Wantagh Levittown Volunteer Ambulance corps.

Event Highlights ■ Purpose: Recruit new volunteer firefighters and EMS members, and raise community awareness ■ Family-friendly: Children explored fire trucks, ambulances, and equipment; met local volunteers Who Participated The Sixth Battalion, made up of 10 volunteer fire departments: ■ Bellmore, East Meadow, Levittown, Massapequa, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Massapequa, North Merrick, Seaford, Wantagh Supported by ■ Bellmore-Merrick Volunteer Ambulance Corps ■ Wantagh-Levittown Volunteer Ambulance Corps Part of a Bigger Effort Aligned with RecruitNY Weekend, a statewide campaign to address declining volunteer numbers

The Seaford Fire Department with Town Clerk Kate Murray at the April 26 event.

May 8, 2025 — BELLMORE HERALD

Jovia marathon draws runners from near and far Long Island community united through a weekend of food and running at Eisenhower Park By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The Jovia Financial Credit Union Long Island Marathon energized the region last weekend, drawing thousands of runners, families, and foodies for a celebration of endurance, community, and local flavor. Festivities kicked off with a 5K Family Fun Run on May 2, followed by a 10K and 1K Kids Fun Run on May 3 and the half-marathon and marathon May 4. Each race began, and ended, in East Meadow’s Eisenhower Park. Not only is the marathon a premier sporting event in Nassau County and an economic generator for the area, but a great source of community entertainment outside of the races. A food truck festival ran all weekend, along with a full line up of music entertainment at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in the park. The marathon, which celebrated its 51st year, has been sponsored by Jovia Financial Credit Union for nearly the last decade. Over 4,000 runners participated in this year’s races. Peter Purpura, vice president of business development at Jovia Financial Credit Union, said the race has served as a great way for the company to get to know the Long Island community. “One of the interesting things about this race in particular is that over the weekend, we get to interact with so many of the runners, and it’s fascinating to find out why people are running,” he said at a preview news conference on April 29. “Some people are running because they’re getting over a broken heart or a broken bone — some of them are getting over sickness. Some of them are running for somebody who is sick. Some of them are just running to feel good and be part of the community. “I think our partnership with this event is really relevant,” he added. “We’ve been in the community for 85 years now, serving our members, and

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Runners from near and far took part in the The Jovia Financial Credit Union Long Island Marathon on Sunday, the last race of a weekend packed with running and entertainment. Benjamin Tuttle, 31, of Knoxville, Tennessee was the top male finisher in the marathon. they trust us for a variety of financial needs. Similar to the runners, they come to us with a number of different reasons, and some of them are good, some of them are bad. But no matter what, our staff is always looking to greet them and get them to their next mile.” Friends of Karen, a nonprofit that supports critically ill children and their families, has had a team run in the 5K race for nearly 20 years. The team was formed by Evelyn Anderson, whose son Luke had leukemia, in order to give back to Friends of Karen which helped her family. “That small team has morphed into a team that has close to 200 participants who run with Friends of Karen in a very bright, yellow singlet, to raise

funds to continue support the families we help, especially those right here in Nassau County,” Leslie Bellissimo, the Long Island-New York Metro Regional Director said. “We are so grateful to Nassau County for inviting us back year after year to continue to be part of the marathon weekend, to help us spread awareness of our very special mission.” Corey Roberts, the race’s organizer, offered his gratitude to Jovia and to PSEG, another sponsor of the event. “Without these people, it’s hard to produce a race,” he said. “It’s even harder to provide a race if we don’t have the cooperation of the county and the county services. We’re really grateful.” The 26.2-mile race began and ended near Eisenhower Park’s Field 5. Runners headed west, leaving the park on

Mer rick Avenue, and then tur ned toward Garden City on Charles Lindbergh Boulevard. The race looped back toward East Meadow, and runners then headed north and east through Salisbury, around the perimeter of Eisenhower Park, before re-entering the park near Carmen Avenue. The half marathon followed a similar path, but excluded some parts that ran through the park. As runners crossed the finish line, they were cheered on by grandstands full of supporters.

Alyssa Salese, 32, of Huntington, was the top female finisher in the marathon.

Scott Lannan, also known as ‘The Santa Claus,’ is well-known for racing dressed up as the Christmas character while bouncing a tennis ball on a racket.

May 8, 2025 — BELLMORE HERALD

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