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 with the NYPD, retiring in 2022 from the elite Emergency Service Unit. Throughout it all, John has remained a fixture at the BSFD, earning the prestigious New York State Firefighter of the Year award in 2008 for his heroic actions. Now in his second stint as Chief, John continues the family legacy, with his father, twin brothers, and son Andrew all active members of the department. With an eye for photography that has landed his images in Fire News, John is a true renaissance man of the fire service.

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 respect of both his colleagues and the community he serves. In addition to his distinguished career on the frontlines, Noel has also been a fire commissioner for the past 17 years, further demonstrating his leadership and passion for the fire service.

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 prioritizing the safety of his community. Beyond emergency responses she is always well-prepared for potential risks.

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 Wilders has been employed by the Nassau County Fire Service Academy Public education division and division of fire training since 1999.

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 extends beyond emergency responses, as he actively engages in community outreach and fire safety education, ensuring that Inwood is not only protected but also well-prepared for potential risks.

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 hazmat technician for over 20 years. He's held numerous leadership positions, including Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, and is currently the Chief of Department. Dominic is also an active member of the Brookhaven Town Drill Team Captains Association, where he puts his expertise to use training the next generation of firefighters. When he's not responding to emergencies, Dominic works as a Construction Equipment Operator for the Town of Islip and as a Fire and EMS Dispatcher. With his unwavering dedication and impressive accomplishments, Dominic embodies the spirit of the firefighting community.

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 had a 34 year career as a dispatcher, first working full time for the Westbury Fire District in 1985 where he was a Supervisor the last two years. In 1993 he was hired by Nassau County Firecom where he worked until he retired in 2019. The last 10 years at Firecom Gerry was a Supervisor and has also worked several part time dispatcher jobs during the years at Hicksville (14 years) and brief stays at Syosset and Jericho as well.

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 educating the public about the true nature of firefighting. With a focus on innovative equipment and strong team camaraderie, Chris’s wealth of hands-on experience makes him a trusted leader in the field.