Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Malik Duff. Malik Duff is a true lifesaver, both on and off the battlefield. As a current Baltimore City firefighter assigned to Truck Company 8, Malik puts his expertise and passion for service to work every day, responding to emergencies with skill and bravery. His dedication doesn't stop there - Malik has been a proud member of the Roosevelt Fire Department since 2014, where he has served as a Lieutenant for 4 years and currently leads as a training...

Sitting with me in the fire house is Joseph Gerrato. At just 14 years old, Joseph Gerrato began his distinguished career in public service as an Explorer, honing his leadership skills as captain from 1996-1997. Over the past 28 years, Joseph has dedicated himself to protecting his community as a firefighter, rising through the ranks to become Chief of the Department - a role he has held for the past 6 years. Known for his tireless work ethic and commitment to excellence, Joseph has been...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is John Ippolito Jr. John Ippolito Jr. A third-generation firefighter, John Ippolito Jr. has dedicated over 35 years to serving his community. As the current Assistant Chief of the Bay Shore Fire Department (BSFD), John's passion for the fire service runs deep - he's been an active member since joining the Juniors in 1985. After college, John became an EMT and volunteered with the Bay Shore Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance before embarking on a 22-year career...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Commissioner Noel Thomas. Noel Thomas has dedicated over three decades to protecting his community as a member of the Uniondale Fire Department. Since joining the force in 1990, this seasoned firefighter has risen through the ranks, serving as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, and even holding the prestigious position of assistant chief - twice. With 34 years of experience under his belt, Noel's unwavering commitment to public safety has earned him the...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Konica Devasser. Konica has dedicated a decade of her life to the Uniondale fire department, serving on the rescue and EMT team as part of emergency company number 1. As the former chairwoman for disaster preparedness, she has honed her skills in crisis response and community readiness. With years of experience, Konica exemplifies the very meaning of dedication and bravery in service. She has led her team through countless challenging situations, always...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Paul Wilders. Paul Wilders is a 40 +-year veteran of the fire service and currently the Chief Instructor of the Nassau County, NY, Fire Service Academy. He is the former Chief of the North Merrick, NY, Fire Department and a senior member of that department's training committee. Wilders is an instructor of national curriculum for the Incident Safety Officers and an advocate for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's Courage to Be Safe program. Chief...

Sitting with me in the fire house is Josiyah Green. Chief Josiyah Green, of the Inwood Fire Department, exemplifies dedication and bravery in service. With years of experience, he has led his team through numerous challenging situations, always prioritizing the safety of his community. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure and his commitment to mentoring younger firefighters, Chief Green has earned the respect and admiration of both his peers and the residents he serves. His leadership...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Dominic Russo. Dominic Russo's lifelong passion for firefighting began at just 3 years old, when he started accompanying his uncle to the fire station. From watching the "road runners" race at drills to helping with truck maintenance, Dominic was hooked. This early exposure led him to join his local junior fire department at age 14, where he honed his skills and rose through the ranks. Now a seasoned veteran, Dominic has served as a firefighter, EMT, and...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Gerard Gagliano. Gerry is a member of Hicksville Fire Department Volunteer Hose Company 4 and EMS Squad. Having originally joined in 1983 as a member of Protection Hook and Ladder Co. 1. He is an Ex-Captain of the Rescue Squad, and past member of the Department Hazardous Materials Response Team, and also was a member of the Hicks Drill Team from 1985 to 1993. Gerry became an EMT in 1984 and an EMT-CC in 1985, and is currently an EMT still. Gerry has also...

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Chris Stafford. Inspired by his firefighter father, Chris Stafford has dedicated over 15 years to serving his community as a volunteer firefighter. As a former Captain of the Truck Company at the East Meadow Fire Department, Chris responded to countless emergency calls, including a memorable mutual aid fire where his expertise proved invaluable. Now a Fire Prevention Officer and Safety Officer for the Uniondale Fire Department, Chris is passionate about...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Willie Geddish. From chasing fire trucks on his bike as a child to becoming a respected partner at a national law firm, Willie has always had a deep connection to the fire service. Growing up across the street from the fire department, he would spend his youth hanging out with the firefighters and attending drills. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion, leading him to join the department at just 18 years old. Over the next 12 years, he climbed the...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Edwin Wilmarth, III. Edwin Wilmarth, III joined the Broad Channel Fire Department as a Junior August 11th, 1993 and was voted in to the main department April 9th, 1998. FF Engines 201 and 203 1998-2001. Lieutenant Engine 203 2002-2006. Captain Engine 203 2007-2011. Assistant Chief 2012 & 2013. Chief of Dept. 2014. He has also held Corporation Officer positions over the years, Sgt. at Arms and Vice President. He is currently an appointed Deputy Chief...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is James Hickman. James joined a volunteer fire department in North Carolina back in 1977. When he moved to New York in 1983, he joined the Floral Park Fire Department; starting in Reliance Engine Co. #2.  After a couple of years James transferred to the Rescue Co. and has been there ever since. In 1993 James was hired with Firecom as Operator 48. He later moved over to the Fire Marshal Office and he is still there to this day! James started as a Fire Marshal...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Chief Mike Gordon. Chief Mike Gordon is the 1st African American Chief and the 3rd assistant chief of the Freeport Fire Department. He is also ex captain of Hose company #5 11 year member.  You can continue to follow his journey on Instagram @mgordon215, comedy page @mgtheentertainer.  If anyone interested in recruiting can  contact @fortpache5 on instagram and Hose Company #5 on Facebook!

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Chief Dudley. Chief Dudley joined North Lindenhurst FD as a junior firefighter September 1989,  the Lindenhurst Fire Department 3/3/92 and was an active member until 4/12/99. Soon after he joined the North Lindenhurst FD where he was assigned to Engine & Heavy Rescue Co.1. He was elected 2nd Lieutenant  in 2003, elected 1st Lieutenant in 2004 and elected Captain 2005. Chief Dudley continued to grow in the field as he went on to being elected 2nd Deputy...

Sitting with me in "The Firehouse" today is former Chief Hugh Lacy. Raised in Hempstead, Hugh ventured to Boston for higher education, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Brandeis University and an MBA in Information Technology from Bentley University. After acquiring a wealth of knowledge, he returned to New York and has dedicated the last 19 years to the fire service. A few years ago, he reached the pinnacle of his career, achieving the highest rank as Chief of...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Ex-Chief Jean Laurent from the Uniondale Fire Department. Jean grew up in the very town he now serves, embodying the spirit of community and dedication from a young age. His journey from a local resident to the chief of the department is a testament to his commitment and bravery. As Chief, Jean demonstrated exceptional leadership and courage, earning him a reputation as one of the best chiefs Uniondale has ever had. His deep-rooted connection to the town...

Sitting in the firehouse is Bill Wade. Bill has been involved with volunteering in Nassau County since September of 1983. He joined the South Side Hose 2 in Oceanside, LI and just finished his term as Chief of the Point Lookout-Lido FD in April of 2024! 

Sitting in the firehouse is Eric McEvoy. Eric has been a South Hempstead department member for over 7 years. He has held the rank of Lieutenant and is now in his second year of captain. He has held various roles on committees and is a full time Police Officer.

Sitting in the firehouse is Chief Charles "Charlie" Hendry born in 1971 and attended St. Ladislaus in Hempstead and St. Martha's in Uniondale for grade school, followed by Holy Trinity HS, graduating in 1989. He joined HFD in 1989, served in various roles including Ex-Captain of Harper Hook and Ladder 1, and became Hempstead Chief from 2008-2017. Currently, he's HFD Chief of Training. Also, a NYS Fire Instructor since 2007, he aids in social media management for HFD and related pages.

Sitting in the firehouse is Chief Charles "Charlie" Hendry born in 1971 and attended St. Ladislaus in Hempstead and St. Martha's in Uniondale for grade school, followed by Holy Trinity HS, graduating in 1989. He joined HFD in 1989, served in various roles including Ex-Captain of Harper Hook and Ladder 1, and became Hempstead Chief from 2008-2017. Currently, he's HFD Chief of Training. Also, a NYS Fire Instructor since 2007, he aids in social media management for HFD and related pages. 

Sitting in the firehouse is Ex-Chief John Skelly. Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1963, his family moved to Long Island in the early summer of 1964. John has been a lifelong resident of Uniondale for nearly 60 years, where he experienced many of his "firsts"—first friends, first school, first job, and countless cherished childhood memories. In early 2002, John met his wonderful wife, Andrijana. They started dating immediately after they met, got engaged on the 4th of July in 2005, and married in...

Sitting with him in the firehouse today is Harold Long, who proudly holds the title of Ex-Chief after decades of distinguished service. He is currently an active member of the Uniondale Fire Department, where he has served for 27 years. Alongside his duties at the fire department, Long has also been an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) for 24 years, bringing his expertise to various boroughs including the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. Currently...

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Ex-Chief Heather Senti of the Lakeview Fire Department exemplifies hard work and dedication. Born into a family with a long history in the Lakeview Fire Department, Heather grew up surrounded by the values of service and community. Her family all served before her, creating a legacy that Heather was inspired to follow. However, Heather has made her mark, becoming a leader in her own right. Heather's journey in the fire department began at a young age. She...