When the first firefighters arrived they knew it was not your normal house fire. The house on Staples Street was already fully involved. The intense fire and heat made them suspect that there was more to it than just an electrical short circuit or a misplaced cigarette. They also knew that the hot summer day would make their job even more difficult. It's times like these that you really see what makes the volunteers from our community so special. They train hours and hours just for this type of event. We hope they never have to use their training, but the reality is that they will and they did. It's comforting to know that we have such dedicated individuals who leave their homes, jobs and families to race to our assistance. It's easy to take for granted what they do and forget how dangerous a job they perform. The members of our Farmingdale Fire Department along with our neighbors from the South and East responded in full force. Both Nassau and Suffolk Police also responded and assisted in making sure all homes were evacuated and traffic properly stopped to ensure everyone's safety. By the time I arrived on the scene the fire was extinguished and the Nassau County Police Department Arson Squad was already investigating the scene. They confirmed that the fire was of suspicious origins and they determined that an ignitable liquid had been poured in the living room, setting the house on fire. As I made my way through the fire scene I was amazed at the damage that was done. I also could not help but notice our tired firefighters who were still on scene taking care of business. It also made me keenly aware of how dangerous their jobs are. Our Farmingdale, South Farmingdale, East Farmingdale Fire Departments did an outstanding job responding to this fire. I would like to personally thank the Chiefs and their members for their outstanding efforts. I also want to thank them for always being ready to assist our community. We are very fortunate to have them. If you have not done so already, please remember to support them during their fund drives. It's a great way to thank them and assure that they have the equipment and training to continue to protect our lives and property. I salute our volunteer firefighters and emergency responders they are truly Farmingdale's Bravest!