First%20on%20the%20scene east%20meadow%2011 09 2017

November 9, 2017

East Meadow

on the scene Honoring our local heroes

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A word of thanks to our volunteer firefighters There is a part of many of us, I believe, that wants, on one level or another, to be a volunteer firefighter.

Most people are good people. Most people want to protect their communities. Most people understand that one of the greatest threats to any community is fire. If a blaze were allowed to rage unconcott trolled, it could consume whole blocks or neighborhoods, as was the case in the 19th century, before the advent of highly organized fire companies.

Most of us want to help. We, however, haven’t the ability to fight fires. Volunteer firefighting requires an inordinate amount of time and a level of commitment that is so rare these days.

To say that our volunteer firefighters are heroes is an understatement. They give selflessly to a higher cause — protecting their neighbors’ homes, businesses and lives. You can only imagine your community without your department, or with a paid fire department, the taxes would be astronomical.

So we can only say thank you to the good men and women who fight our fires and come to the aid of people in all manner of catastrophes, from heroin overdoses to car

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wrecks and hurricanes.

Several months in the making, the First on the Scene section is a project that is intended to express our sincere gratitude to Nassau County’s volunteer fire departments. Too often, our fire volunteers go unnoticed within our communities. With this section, we hope to change that. rinton It is, perhaps, little surprise that the ranks of volunteer firefighters have diminished over the past two decades. Many folks are working two and three jobs to make ends meet.

They haven’t the time to volunteer.

Nearly 20 years ago, I photographed a front-page investigative story for the Long Island section of The New York Times that looked at the dire need for more fire volunteers. I visited with firefighters from across the Island. The story was always one and the same: Firefighting ranks were becoming stretched thinner and thinner.

In speaking with a number of fire chiefs and firefighters for this Herald section, the story remains the same now: Our local fire departments desperately need recruits.

Often, people wonder why anyone would take on a responsibility as monumental as volunteer firefighting. I asked that question

of Louis Lanzilotta in 1997 for a Herald story about the Lawrence-Cedarhurst Fire Department. At the time, he was chief of the department, one of the oldest fire companies on the South Shore.

He said the answer was simple: old-fashioned good will. “You see how devastating it is when someone’s house in on fire,” he told me. “It’s a special feeling to know you helped that person.”

Indeed.

Beyond that, it’s important to note that fire companies offer a home to so many.

They are places of camaraderie, of brother and sisterhood, of community. For those

who are firefighters, they often say they could not imagine not volunteering.

So, to all of the brave firefighters across Nassau County, all of us at the Herald offer our sincere gratitude for all that you do for our communities! n If you are interested in volunteering for your local Fire Department, call its non-emergency number, easily found on its website.

Scott Brinton Executive Editor, Herald Community Newspapers

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November 9, 2017 — First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers

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First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers — November 9, 2017

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November 9, 2017 — First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers

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East Meadow Firefighters

Philip Fertita........................................................Chief Joseph GiuFFre......................................................Capt Andrew Williams................................................1st Lt Peter Mazaram..................................................2nd Lt James Ahearn...........................................................FF Michael Ambrosio..........................................Ex-Capt Antony Butera................................................... Ex-Chf Edwards Richard.......................................................FF Jacob Elliot................................................................FF Filipe Fernandes.......................................................FF Angelo Gasparini......................................................FF James Kane....................................................... Ex-Chf John Larossa....................................................Ex-Capt John Malik.......................................................Ex-Capt Robert Mccardell......................................................FF James Mceniry...............................................Ex-Capt Brian Mcgee..............................................................FF Chris Mongello..........................................................FF Michael Mongello............................................ Ex-Chf Michael Mongello Jr................................................FF Ralph Moniello.........................................................FF Vincent Nocella...............................................Ex-Capt John Ochtera Jr...............................................Ex-Capt Richard Pellegrino....................................................FF Alexander Perez........................................................FF John Priest.................................................................FF John Priest Jr..................................................... Ex-Chf Martin Sisca....................................................Ex-Capt James Surless.................................................... Ex-Chf Louis Trapanese..............................................Ex-Capt Kevin Weeks..............................................................FF Joseph Lennon.....................................................Chief Eric Becker............................................................Chief Joseph Duggan.....................................................Capt Andrew Carlson..................................................1st Lt Michael Smith....................................................2nd Lt Angel Aracena...........................................................FF Howard Bartone.......................................................FF Christopher Baumann.............................................FF Michael Baumann....................................................FF Kurt Becker................................................................FF Paul Bliss..........................................................Ex-Capt Hector Canto.............................................................FF Frank Capasso...........................................................FF Andrew Carpentier.........................................Ex-Capt Glenn Carpentier......................................................FF Frank Ciaccio.............................................................FF Frank Colletti...................................................Ex-Capt Andrew Gavilanes....................................................FF Walter GriFFin................................................... Ex-Chf Steven Hagan............................................................FF Michael Heubish.......................................................FF Robert Hughes.................................................. Ex-Chf Cristopher Kant Jr...........................................Ex-Capt John Katalo Jr............................................................FF Raymond L’hommedieu................................Ex-Capt Andrew Lebkuecher......................................... Ex-Chf Kenneth Long.................................................Ex-Capt Brian Mcguinness...........................................Ex-Capt Henry Meyer..............................................................FF Michael Moniello......................................................FF Fred Morgana............................................................FF Gary Nauth........................................................ Ex-Chf David Paganini IV...........................................Ex-Capt Peter Parker...............................................................FF Frank Posillico.................................................Ex-Capt Anthony Russo......................................................Capt Christopher Sala............................................... Ex-Chf Dominick Santoro............................................. Ex-Chf Paul Schmaeling.............................................Ex-Capt Louis Sclafani............................................................FF Arthur Sperr...................................................... Ex-Chf Jordan Steinmetz.....................................................FF Douglas Wood.................................................Ex-Capt Michael Wood.......................................................Capt Daniel Wood........................................................1st Lt Patrick Macaulay...............................................2nd Lt Dennis Aspenleiter.........................................Ex-Capt

Sue Grieco/Herald

In May, East Meadow firefighters paid tribute to one of their heroes, Ray Pfeifer, a 35-year East Meadow firefighter who died of cancer related to his duties during the rescue and recovery efforts after the attacks at ground zero on Sept. 11, 2001.

James Aspenleiter Jr......................................Ex-Capt James Aspenleiter Sr........................................ Ex-Chf Giovanni Bautista...........................................Ex-Capt George Boneillo........................................................FF Michael Campbell..........................................Ex-Capt Bryan Cullen..............................................................FF Wayne Cullen............................................................FF James Darcey.................................................... Ex-Chf William Dimartini Sr......................................Ex-Capt Craig Euler.......................................................Ex-Capt Robert Grigonis..............................................Ex-Capt Adam Grippi..............................................................FF James Guerin..................................................Ex-Capt Richard HeFFernan........................................... Ex-Chf Joseph Hervan................................................Ex-Capt Matthew John...........................................................FF Philip Liotta...............................................................FF Louis Lopiccolo..........................................................FF William Neill...................................................... Ex-Chf Kenneth Panaro........................................................FF Gus Pappas......................................................Ex-Capt Joseph Pfeifer......................................................FF Jr. Raymond Pfeifer.............................................Ex-Capt Francis Pollicini.........................................................FF Carl Pugliesie.................................................... Ex-Chf Daniel Pugliesie..............................................Ex-Capt Jose-Antonio Quesada............................................FF Victor Reyes...............................................................FF Rocky Ritter...............................................................FF Jason Scheid..............................................................FF Robert Schmidt..............................................Ex-Capt Ryan Schmidt............................................................FF James Scocca...................................................Ex-Capt Williams Shallow............................................Ex-Capt Michael Signorelli..........................................Ex-Capt Ferdy Tagel......................................................Ex-Capt Robert Thomas...............................................Ex-Capt Michael Troy....................................................Ex-Capt Thomas Tergesen............................................ Captain William Eitel........................................................1st Lt Michael Krause..................................................2nd Lt Victoria Ardis.............................................................FF Willie Bedoya............................................................FF Thomas Callan..........................................................FF Richard Cardozo Sr...................................................FF Michael Forst...................................................Ex-Capt Ronald Gurrieri...............................................Ex-Capt Paul Kosiba......................................................Ex-Capt Steven Lauria............................................................FF Edward Licciardo............................................Ex-Capt Atik Mehta.................................................................FF Anthony Messina.............................................Exc-Chf

Brian Messina...........................................................FF Frank Messina................................................... Ex-Chf Robert Morris............................................................FF Kevin Nussbaum.............................................Ex-Capt Daniel Panzella...............................................Ex-Capt David Pereira.............................................................FF Timothy Raichel..............................................Ex-Capt Tom Rinckey..............................................................FF Neil Rohde......................................................... Ex-Chf JeFFrey Rosenthal..........................................Ex-Capt Tyler Ryall..................................................................FF Janice Sanginario...........................................Ex-Capt Thomas Sanginario........................................Ex-Capt Thomas Sippel................................................Ex-Capt Bryan Tallon....................................................Ex-Capt Patrick Taranto........................................................ FM JeFFrey Tempone......................................................FF Daniel Ward...............................................................FF Paul Woods......................................................Ex-Capt George Choy.................................................... Captain Max Solomon......................................................1st Lt David Miller Jr....................................................2nd Lt Guram Abaishvili.................................................... FM Shagufta Akhter..................................................... FM John Alderson......................................................... FM Brittany Anghel...................................................... FM Patricia Brown................................................Ex-Capt Stephen Choy.......................................................... FM Alba Dougherty...................................................... FM Christopher Dumenko........................................... FM Scott Farber.....................................................Ex-Capt Robin Fitzpatrick.................................................... FM David Gravely.......................................................... FM Bruce Jamison.................................................Ex-Capt Sebastian Janiec..................................................... FM Kathy Martinez-Walsh...................................Ex-Capt Ricard Mole.....................................................Ex-Capt Samantha Mongello.............................................. FM Susanne Mongello.........................................Ex-Capt Susan O’boyle......................................................... FM Matthew Pressler................................................... FM Joseph Salemi.................................................Ex-Capt Ross Schiller............................................................ Fm James Spellman Jr.................................................. FM Phyllis Sperr............................................................ FM Michael Strauber.................................................... FM Daniel Thompson...........................................Ex-Capt Joana Tusa............................................................... FM Ashley Vecchione.................................................... FM Domenic Valenti..................................................... FM Laura Zaso............................................................... FM Jon Mcgee............................................................Chief

James Walsh.................................................... Captain Christopher Stafford..........................................1st Lt John Bohl............................................................2nd Lt Robert Beck.....................................................Ex-Capt John Bohl.........................................................Ex-Capt James Callahan...............................................Ex-Capt Vincent Cino..............................................................FF Edward Collins.................................................. Ex-Chf William Davidson.....................................................FF Kenneth Ditata................................................. Ex-Chf John Fitzpatrick........................................................FF Timothy Fowler.........................................................FF Johnathan Haber............................................Ex-Capt Steven Haber.............................................................FF Harry Hall..................................................................FF John Hinton.....................................................Ex-Capt Keith HoFFman................................................. Ex-Chf William Houst Sr.............................................Ex-Capt Michael Leary............................................................FF Michael Liverani.............................................Ex-Capt Robert Longabardi...................................................FF Zachary Ludewig......................................................FF Nicholas Maiolica.....................................................FF Richard Malik..................................................Ex-Capt Robert Mcgee...........................................................FF Gregory Mcgovern.........................................Ex-Capt John Morris......................................................Ex-Capt John Moskowski.............................................Ex-Capt Joseph Mullady III....................................................FF John Nezmany..........................................................FF Richard Nunez...........................................................FF James O’brien...........................................................FF John O’brien...................................................... Ex-Chf John O’brien Sr................................................Ex-Capt Robert Petrelli.................................................Ex-Capt Salvatore Posillico....................................................FF Kenneth Rohde.........................................................FF Jason Romero...........................................................FF Paul Simon......................................................Ex-Capt Anthony Tedesco............................................Ex-Capt Robert Westphal.......................................................FF Thomas Whalen........................................................FF Vincent Wiscovitch...................................................FF Adam Lukasik.................................................. Captain William Harrison................................................1st Lt Peter Cheswick...................................................2nd Lt Joseph Bopp....................................................Ex-Capt Corbin Brach..............................................................FF Edward Brennan.............................................Ex-Capt Jose Castillo...............................................................FF John Cates.................................................................FF Damien Chin-Sang...................................................FF Nicholas Corrado.............................................. Ex-Chf Thomas Corrado.......................................................FF Jonathan Diez...........................................................FF Michael Finkelman........................................... Ex-Chf Vincent Finnerman....................................... Ex-Capt Jose Fuentes..............................................................FF Christopher Gerver.........................................Ex-Capt Gil Lugo......................................................................FF Joseph Packard.........................................................FF Anthony Paolicelli............................................ Ex-Chf Raymond Pellechia........................................Ex-Capt Edward Petkus................................................Ex-Capt Donald Reilly..................................................... Ex-Chf Terence Reilly..................................................Ex-Capt Robert SalvesenSr..........................................Ex-Capt Robert Salvesen Jr............................................ Ex-Chf John Schreiner................................................Ex-Capt John Screiner Jr...............................................Ex-Capt Richard Sculco................................................... Ex-Chf Joseph Sicurella........................................................FF Robert Trascoy................................................... Ex-Chf Jason Troche..............................................................FF Ted Wehrs........................................................Ex-Capt Carey Welt........................................................Ex-Capt

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By Jen Cooper East Meadow made its first strides to have its own fire department in 1922 with the creation of the East Meadow Volunteer Firemen’s Association. Through the efforts of its early volunteers, the fire department, under a new taxing district, held its first official department meeting in April of 1930. Five commissioners were chosen, as was chief Edward Alsheimer, who served as chief for two years.

A second company held its first meeting in January 1931, expanding the East Meadow Fire Department and shifting major equipment around. That same year, residents approved a bond to help pay for a new firehouse and new equipment.

Donated in 1920s, the fire department’s new Peirce-Arrow touring car quickly became the department’s competitive racing car for its “suicide squad,” which took part in statewide fire department competitions.

Because of the post-World War II building boom, land that had been previously purchased but undeveloped was approved to create a new firehouse with the help of a bond. Throughout the late 1940s and early ’50s, more firehouses were built as well as new equipment purchased, like alarm systems and fire tanks, which significantly added to firefighters’ capabilities.

According to current chief Joseph Lennon, one of the greatest new forms of protection for the firefighters was their turnout gear, which is a full body suit, as opposed to just a jacket and boots.

“It better protects our firefighters from the fires because they’re fully insulated and not exposed to too much heat,” Lennon said.

The East Meadow Fire Department has long made an effort to have advanced safety equipment, and was one of the first two volunteer fire departments in the United States to be granted a fire protection classification of Class 4. The department was elevated to Class 3 upon an inspection in 1970. Fire protection classes are on a

scale of 1 to 10, with 1 as the safest and most advanced equipment, which is very difficult for volunteer departments to achieve.

In 1959, East Meadow pioneered fire communications when it began using its tone-activated radio-alerting system, and it still maintains some of the most advanced radio equipment on Long Island.

“The Meadowlarks” competed in racing events, like the “suicide squad,” but “The Meadowlarks” were New York State Champions in 1946 and 1958.

The East Meadow Fire District covers all of East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury. The area includes more than 14,000 homes, with an estimated population of 55,000.

The district includes schools, office buildings, Eisenhower Park, the Nassau County Jail and Nassau University Medical Center.

East Meadow is an all-volunteer department.

According to Eric Becker, a two-time exchief and current second assistant chief, “The fire academy used to take only six months and a few courses.

Now, it can take over a year, depending on your work schedule.”

These more stringent requirements, however, are for the safety of the firefighters and those victims of fire also.

“With technology, the dynamics of a fire have become much more complicated,” Becker said. “Fires used to be a couple hundred degrees are now a couple of thousand, with plastic burning so hot and gases from technology.”

Perhaps the most important aspect of the East Meadow Fire Department is not just the equipment or the mechanics, but the family that has been built there. Lennon’s father was also a chief, as was Becker’s.

Becker’s son was a volunteer also. And on a list of past chiefs and rosters, recurring last names pop up all over.

“I grew up around the fire department,” Lennon said. “My dad was chief, and I knew that this is what I wanted

Members of the East Meadow Fire Department all lined up circa 1950s.

Members of the East Meadow Fire Department all lined up outside fire headquarters back in the day.

to do when I was older.”

Members might serve from 20 to 40 years. One member, ex-chief and excommissioner Dominick Santoro, just became a 75-year member of the East Meadow Fire Department.

According to its message on its website, it is “still responding to emer-

gencies, maintaining the pride of service our residents, as did those members before them.”

“We’re training on Sunday mornings to make this place safer, but what we do is take care of our family and everyone’s family,” Becker said. “That’s what we get out of it.” n

First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers — November 9, 2017

East Meadow F.D., protecting the community since 1922

November 9, 2017 — First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers

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East Meadow Fire Department

Engine Company 1

Engine Company 2

East Meadow Fire Department

First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers — November 9, 2017

Engine Company 3

Engine Company 4

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November 9, 2017 — First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers

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East Meadow Fire Department

Ladder Company 1

Ladder Company 2

East Meadow Fire Department

First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers — November 9, 2017

Rescue Company 5

The Juniors

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Danger in all directions for fire volunteers

November 9, 2017 — First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers

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By Scott Brinton

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Volunteer firefighters climb ladders that stretch two and three stories into the air, highpressure hoses at the ready to spray down raging fires that burn hotter than a thousand degrees.

Black smoke billows in all directions. At any moment, the home or building might explode or collapse.

Meanwhile, other volunteers rush inside in search of victims who might be trapped. It’s an inferno, with flames raging in all directions.

Sight is limited. The structure groans. Weakened wooden floors might give in. Walls and ceilings might come crashing down.

Yes, volunteer firefighting is very, very dangerous, and the financial reward is, well, non-existent, except for a small pension later in life. Long Island’s firefighters are largely volunteers. They give of their time and of themselves, they say, out of an old-fashioned sense of community and a desire to aid those in need.

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1- East Meadow fire volunteers battle a raging blaze.

2- East Meadow firefighters responded to a crash scene.

3- Ray Pfeifer, a 35-year East Meadow firefighter who died in May of cancer related to his duties during the rescue and recovery efforts after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. He lobbied hard for passage of the Zadroga Act, federal legislation that provides for the long-term health care of 9/11 responders.

4- Bishop John Barres, spiritual leader of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, greeted schoolchildren who came to pay tribute to Pfeifer at his funeral.

Photos by Jack Healy/Herald

To All The First Responders For Your

First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers — November 9, 2017

With appreciation to all Voluntary Firefighters and EMS Personnel

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November 9, 2017 — First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers

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East Meadow Fire Chiefs

"Those who have left their legacy"

John McGee James J. Kane Robert Salvesen Jr. Walter Griffin John J. Priest Jr Carl L. Pugliese Thomas Tergesen Keith Hoffman Eric W. Becker John J. O’Brien Christopher J. Sala Neil H. Rohde Donald Reilly John J. Priest Jr. Anthony D. Paolicelli Michael J. Mongello Donald Reilly Eric W. Becker Anthony J. Messina Robert V. Hughes Michael L. Finkelman James J. Aspenleiter Sr. Robert Trascoy Gary J. Nauth Edward R. Ackerly Jr. Michael L. Finkelman Frank Messina William J. Neill Keith J. Hoffman

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988

Ladder 1 Engine 1 Ladder 2 Engine 2 Engine 1 Engine 3 Engine 4 Ladder 1 Engine 2 Ladder 1 Engine 2 Engine 4 Ladder 2 Engine 1 Ladder 2 Engine 1 Ladder 2 Engine 2 Engine 4 Engine 2 Ladder 2 Engine 3 Ladder 2 Engine 2 Engine 1 Ladder 2 Engine 4 Engine 3 Ladder 1

James T. Darcey Kenneth J. DiTata Richard S. Pike Richard Heffernan Daniel R. Lennon Kevin C. MaCaulay James M. Surless James M. Surless Arthur W. Sperr John Washbourn Williamson E. Henderson Richard Sculco Jerry DiTata Edward Collins Andrew Lebkeucher Francis Sciarretta Clifford Freer Edward J. O’Brien Edward Axenroth Williamson E. Henderson Nelson H. Finkelman William R. Colligan Peter V. Rafferty William Hartung Durwood Mosher Paul Stein Peter Martino John Fenton Anthony Butera

1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 1959

Engine 3 Ladder 1 Engine 1 Engine 3 Ladder 2 Engine 3 Engine 1 Engine 1 Engine 2 Engine 4 Engine 2 Ladder 2 Rescue 5 Ladder 1 Engine 2 Engine 3 Engine 4 Rescue 5 Engine 4 Engine 2 Ladder 2 Engine 3 Ladder 1 Engine 1 Ladder 1 Engine 4 Engine 3 Engine 4 Engine 1

East Meadow Fire Department chiefs serve a special role, directing a department of hundreds of members.

Kenneth Clark David Galvin Harold Burns Dominick Santoro Dominick Santoro Michael Kostynick John Smith John Smith Joseph Koshansky Joseph Koshansky Donald Morrison Maurice Anderson Louis Darienzo Louis Darienzo Vincent Moskowski Louis Darienzo Louis Darienzo Edward Moskowski Edward Moskowski Edward Moskowski Edward Moskowski Edward Moskowski Edward Moskowski John Guando John Pryzsmont Edward Hoeffner Edward Hoeffner Edward Alsheimer Edward Alsheimer

1958 1957 1956 1955 1954 1953 1952 1951 1950 1949 1948 1947 1946 1945 1944 1943 1942 1941 1940 1939 1938 1937 1936 1935 1934 1933 1932 1931 1930

Engine 2 Engine 4 Engine 3 Engine 2 Engine 2 Engine 2 Ladder 1 Ladder 1 Engine 2 Engine 2 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 2 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1 Company 1

Firefighter Code of Ethics I understand that I have the responsibility to conduct myself in a manner that reflects proper ethical behavior and integrity. In so doing, I will help foster a continuing positive public perception of the fire service. Therefore, I pledge the following…

conduct myself, on and off duty, in a manner that reflects positively on myself, my department and the fire • Always service in general. responsibility for my actions and for the consequences of my actions.

• Accept Support the concept of fairness and the value of diverse thoughts and opinions.

• Avoid situations that would adversely affect the credibility or public perception of the fire service profession.

• Be truthful and honest at all times and report instances of cheating or other dishonest acts that compromise the • integrity of the fire service. my personal affairs in a manner that does not improperly influence the performance of my duties, or bring • Conduct discredit to my organization. respectful and conscious of each member’s safety and welfare.

• BeRecognize I serve in a position of public trust that requires stewardship in the honest and efficient use of pub• licly ownedthat resources, including uniforms, facilities, vehicles and equipment and that these are protected from mis-

• • • • • • •

use and theft.

Exercise professionalism, competence, respect and loyalty in the performance of my duties and use information, confidential or otherwise, gained by virtue of my position, only to benefit those I am entrusted to serve.

Avoid financial investments, outside employment, outside business interests or activities that conflict with or are enhanced by my official position or have the potential to create the perception of impropriety.

Never propose or accept personal rewards, special privileges, benefits, advancement, honors or gifts that may create a conflict of interest, or the appearance thereof.

Never engage in activities involving alcohol or other substance use or abuse that can impair my mental state or the performance of my duties and compromise safety.

Never discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, age, marital status, national origin, ancestry, gender, sexual preference, medical condition or handicap.

Never harass, intimidate or threaten fellow members of the service or the public and stop or report the actions of other firefighters who engage in such behaviors.

Responsibly use social networking, electronic communications, or other media technology opportunities in a manner that does not discredit, dishonor or embarrass my organization, the fire service and the public. I also understand that failure to resolve or report inappropriate use of this media equates to condoning this behavior. n Developed by the National Society of Executive Fire Officers

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WHILE NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA MAY BE BUSY SAVING THE LIVES OF HOMELESS PETS – WE ARE TRULY THANKFUL TO ALL WHO ARE FIRST ON THE SCENE EACH DAY – KEEPING US ALL SAFE!

First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers — November 9, 2017

THANK YOU

TO ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS AND EMTS FOR VOLUNTEERING YOU ARE TRUE HEROES TO ALL!

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East Meadow volunteers often find themselves in precarious positions, like these firefighters during a 2015 house blaze.

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East Meadow firefighters clean up after a long, hard battle to extinguish the blaze

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SALUTING THE BRAVEST

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Town offers alarm safety tips Editor’s note: The following safety tips were provided by the Town of Hempstead as a public service announcement.

Smoke detectors are considered the most effective fire-warning device, and should be placed on every level of a home. When properly installed, smoke alarms reduce fire-related deaths and injuries. Because smoke rapidly spreads during a house fire, the alarms provide a warning, giving occupants more time to escape from the home.

Be sure to: Install smoke alarms in every sleeping • room and outside each separate sleeping area.

Test your smoke alarms at least once a month and press the button to be sure that the alarm is working.

If the alarm does not respond during testing, replace the batteries or the device immediately.

A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms.

Replace all smoke alarms in your home very 10 years.

When a smoke alarm sounds, get out immediately.

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tions.

Install CO detectors near bedrooms and sources of carbon monoxide, such as furnaces, hot-water heaters and stoves.

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for placement and mounting height.

Call your local fire department’s non-emergency number to find out what number to call if the CO alarm sounds.

Test CO alarms at least once a month.

Replace them according to manufacturer instructions.

If the audible trouble signal sounds, check for low batteries. If the batteries are low, replace them. If signal still sounds, call the fire department.

If the CO alarm sounds, immediately move to a fresh-air location outdoors or by an open window or door. Make sure everyone inside the home is accounted for.

Call for help from a fresh-air location and stay there until emergency personnel arrive.

• • •

• • •

•

•

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To prevent CO problems:

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November 9, 2017 — First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers

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A person can be poisoned by even a small amount of carbon monoxide over a longer period of time or by a large amount of CO over a shorter amount of time.

According to statistics, fire departments across the nation respond to an average of nine CO-related calls per hour.

CO alarms should be installed in a central • location outside each sleeping area and on every level of the home and in other loca-

• KDeep the chimney vent pipes clean. o not idle your car in an attached garage.

• Never use a gas oven to heat a home.

• Do not burn wood or coal indoors without • proper venting.

Never use gas or charcoal grills indoors or • even in garage. ave fuel-burning appliances inspected • Hannually by a trained professional. n 1- Fire officials say there should be at least one smoke alarm on every level of your home and one in every bedroom.

2- Fire officials say that you should immediately leave your home when either the smoke or carbon monoxide sounds and move quickly to a safe location. Otherwise, the results could be disastrous. Photos courtesy Wikimedia Commons

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First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers — November 9, 2017

East Meadow Fire Department

Photos

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1- East Meadow firefighters gathered for a portrait back in the day.

2- East Meadow Fire Department headquarters, circa 1953.

3- East Meadow firefighters in rubber raincoats used to battle blazes in the 1950s.

4- East Meadow firefighters got together for a portrait, circa 1939.

5- The East Meadow Fire Department was first on the scene in battling a major conflagration that broke out at Nassau County Medical Center in East Meadow, now Nassau University Medical Center, in 1970.

South Nassau salutes our first responders … everyday heroes!

South Nassau’s Trauma Team

South Nassau’s Trauma and Emergency teams salute and celebrate our area’s first responders, whose heroic frontline work restores, sustains and saves lives every day. We are proud to partner with you every day as Nassau’s only South Shore Trauma Center.

One Healthy Way at Merrick Road in Oceanside.

Call 877-SOUTH-NASSAU or visit southnassau.org.

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November 9, 2017 — First on the Scene - Herald Community Newspapers

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