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Written by Marilou Giammona Friday, 18 January 2013 00:00

Brave volunteers commended by Floral Park officials

As most families were dimming their lights and tucking in their children in anticipation of a very special visitor on Christmas Eve, a home on Elizabeth Street in Floral Park welcomed its own very important visitor: the Floral Park Fire Department. “Although it was a minor event,” said Trustee Kevin Fitzgerald at the board of trustees meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 2, the department responded in full force.

It was a little past 11 p.m. on Dec. 24, when Fitzgerald noticed flashing lights on Elizabeth Street. He stepped outside to see what was going on and saw three fire department trucks along with many department volunteers’ personal vehicles.

“I was once again amazed at the dedication of these men and women to be on the scene in a matter of minutes, while leaving their families and guests on a night when family traditions are honored,” he said.

To be sure, tragedy does not discriminate against day, date or time. Many residents may recall another house fire that occurred in the early morning hours of Christmas in 2010.

Floral Park firefighters responded to a basement fire on the corner of Violet and Carnation Avenues. Within 10 to 15 minutes, fire engulfed the entire home, which remains boarded up today, according to village officials. Several police and fire officers were taken to the hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. 

Unlike the complete devastation of that fire, the recent incident on Elizabeth Street “was a basement smoke condition from an electrical mishap,” Fitzgerald said. Thankfully, the home remains intact and no injuries were reported.

The Floral Park Fire Department comprises three station locations – headquarters, located at Vernon Street and Floral Boulevard; station 2, located on Holland Avenue north of Jericho Turnpike; and station 3, located at Atlantic Avenue and Pine Street. Under the direction of Chief Vincent Modica, 1st Assistant Chief Lou D’Amore, 2nd Assistant Chief Danny Bennett, 3rd Assistant Chief Brian Naughton and 4th Assistant Chief John Florio, the department operates multiple engines, hook and ladder trucks, and rescue vehicles.

“On behalf of our fellow residents, I would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the members of the department and your families for your continued sacrifices regardless, of time, hour, even the day in the name of the safety and wellbeing of our fellow residents,” Fitzgerald said.