The Jericho Fire Department received its first-ever Unit Citation from the Nassau County Fire Commission late last month for leading an amazing rescue and containment operation after a major tanker accident on the Long Island Expressway last August 21.

On an annual basis, the fire commission awards both individual firefighters, special firefighting teams and entire departments for acts requiring courage, skill and teamwork. During last summer's delicate operation, all of these criteria were prominently displayed.

"It's nice to be honored and recognized for what we did," said First Assistant Fire Chief David Ginzburg.

Although more than 150 firefighters arrived on the scene from 14 separate departments, Jericho was the lead force, and Ginzburg commanded the effort. The county fire marshal, police and other rescue services also participated in the multifaceted operation, requiring the Jericho firemen not only to work well within their department, but cooperate amongst many others with whom they rarely worked.

"For us to organize that," said Ginzburg, "...that required coordination and teamwork. [It's] not always easy to work with that magnitude and number of departments."

In January, Jericho Chief Richard Schiraldi sent a letter to the Nassau County Fire Commission nominating his department for the citation because of "the courage, teamwork and professionalism displayed during this potentially life-threatening disaster."

The situation arose in the early afternoon of August 21 when a large tractor-trailer carrying approximately 10,500 gallons of gasoline turned over while heading eastbound on the LIE. Just short of the Route 106/107 Exit of Jericho, it lay perilously on its side, spilling its flammable contents onto the road and into storm drains. The driver was slightly injured, but was helped out of the vehicle by a state trooper.

"With that," said Schiraldi's letter, "started an operation unlike any other in the history of the Jericho Fire Department."

The response required many jobs at once. Firemen had to keep the hot asphalt cool and limit the gasoline vapors by spraying fire-retardant foam along the expressway. Police closed down all nearby roads, causing, according to Schiraldi's letter, "a traffic nightmare never seen before in Long Island history."

Meanwhile, fire personnel from the Hicksville Fire Department's Hazardous Material Response team drilled four holes in the downed tanker, transferring the remainder of its contents into another tanker.

Nearby residents in Jericho were strongly advised to evacuate their homes until the potentially explosive situation was under control.

The entire operation lasted nine toilsome hours. Police estimated that only about 200 gallons of gas leaked out, most of which was salvaged. "Everybody worked hard to accomplish the same goal, and that was a pretty monstrous task," concluded Ginzburg.

In past years, the Jericho Fire Department has been recognized for its rescues during the Avianca plane crash in Oyster Bay and the great Long Island Nor'easter.