Last Wednesday, Aug. 5, at approximately 5:15 p.m., both the Garden City fire and police departments responded to the intersection of Merillon Avenue and Hampton Road for a reported auto accident with a car fire. The first units to arrive on the scene were Garden City police, upon which they encountered one car into a tree. Police observed the car and determined that the vehicle was not on fire. The driver, however, was trapped inside.

After hearing that radio transmission, Garden City Fire Chief Tom Foley immediately ordered the Rescue truck to respond to extricate the victim in addition to the fire engine that was already en route. Garden City Rescue Truck 146 responded under the direction of Rescue Captain Nadolny with a crew of six volunteer firefighters, four of which are Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).

Upon arrival firefighters recognized the vehicle involved and realized the victim was the brother of a Garden City volunteer firefighter. Ex-chief Leonard Rivera used extrication equipment to pry open the passenger door within seconds. Once able to gain access to the victim, Firefighter/EMTs Tamke, O'Malley and Meringolo, Lieutenant Cieslewicz and Captain Nadolny administered patient care with the assistance of ex-Chief Tony Adams. The victim was transported by Nassau County police ambulance to Winthrop-University Hospital where he was treated for a dislocated hip, broken ribs and other injuries. Merillon Avenue was closed to traffic for about an hour.