The officers and members of the Association of Fire Districts of Nassau County, wish to congratulate all newly elected fire commissioners and thank you the residents, for your support in the December 2007 election.

As fire district commissioners, we are committed to providing you, our constituents, with the highest level of fire and EMS protection, utilizing the services of approximately 10,000 dedicated volunteer fire and EMS providers. Fire district commissioners attend public monthly meetings, respond to various emergencies, and do not request or receive any form of compensation. Our commitment to serve is driven by our desire to keep our firefighters, firemedics, friends, families, and neighbors safe at all times.

In an effort to deflect the true reasons associated with the high cost of living in Nassau County, those responsible, using smoke and mirrors, would lead you to believe that it is special districts hurting the taxpayer. In most instances, your fire district tax represents the smallest portion of your tax bill, while providing 24 hour per day, 365 day per year coverage. In recent years the workload for the fire service has increased, as our dedicated volunteers are called upon to supplement the services of Nassau County in the areas of EMS, hazardous materials response, underwater search and rescue, and public education, just to mention a few.

Unlike the County of Nassau, that taxes its constituents for EMS protection, and then levies fees for services rendered, fire districts do not. Fire districts house, purchase, maintain, insure, fuel, and equip ambulances, as well as provide training for those dedicated volunteers responsible for your protection utilizing tax dollars collected each year.

In closing, we thank you for your continued support and sincerely appreciate your confidence in our abilities to serve you.

Officers and Members

Association of Fire Districts of Nassau County