Vigilant Ex-Chief Andrew De Martin was installed as chairman of the Nassau County Fire Commissioner on May10, 2006, 30 years to the day after Alert Ex-Chief Leonard Motchkavitz won the same position. And although today the job, post 9-11, is quite different from what it was in 1976, both men stepped into their jobs with great enthusiasm and the knowledge that there is a lot to be done.

De Martin and Motchkavitz described the workload that faces the county's fire commission, starting with hiring fire marshals and interfacing with the county, with Nassau County's nine battalions and with all 71 of the county's fire departments. De Martin explained that the fire commission is actually the direct line from the county government to the county's fire districts.

"We oversee all this and we set certain standards and levels," De Martin said. 'If there is a need, a fire district comes to us, and then we do an insightful examination to see if it's necessary," he added. The fire commission also deals with variances, that could permit a way around a particular fire code in a specific case, and they are in charge of the fees for the fire marshal's office.

And with this office, the new county fire commission chair will sit on two important committees --- one for the EMS for the county, including redoing the EMS system, and one to work on a new fire and 911 communications building, a $61 million project set for a Westbury site.

Excited with this new post, and quite busy, De Martin told the Record that he "hit the ground running." Right now he anticipates that much of this time is being spent working on interviewing and hiring, and promotions, if the state incentive for retirement is accepted. There is a large staff, a fire marshal and four assistants, plus a general staff of about 100. "If there is an incentive, we will likely see 8 to 12 retirements from the fire marshals office," he said.

Along with all of this also comes handling the county's school for EMS workers. The contract and budget for the Nassau County Fire Service Academy comes through the Nassau County Fire Commission.

And why would Andy De Martin take on this challenge, too, along with his job as a dispatcher for the Alerts and his work as a Vigilant firefighter and ex-chief, De Martin simply said that he was asked. He chaired the Eighth Battalion for five years, having started as an officer and secretary, and when they asked him to go for the position as chair of the county's fire commission, he never hesitated. "I like to deal with government issues and I want to try to get the best for the fire service; I want to push important projects," he said.

With a real love for both his community and his fellow firefighters, De Martin stated: "Great Neck is my home, from Kings Point to New Hyde Park. I have friends all over. This is my hometown, one of the safest places in the world to live. We have wonderful assets and there is still a real sense of community here."

"There's a lot more going on today," said Alert Ex-Chief Leonard Motchkavitz, recalling his term as chair of the Nassau County Fire Commission, exactly 30 years ago. Motchkavitz, who has also served as chairman of the board and president for the Alert Engine Hook Ladder and Hose Co. #1, said that although there were the same number of fire departments back then, as well as nine battalions, "Everything just moved forward so dramatically, on every aspect of what we do ... it's hard to believe." Today's EMS was not around 30 years ago.

As for fires, "We had plenty of them, many, many more than now," said Motchkavitz. Both men explained that modern construction is quite different, with newer codes and fireproof materials.

Motchkavitz very much enjoyed his tenure at the county fire commission. He told the Record that back then they had tried to take over the fire training academy, and even thought there was a positive vote for this cause, then county executive Ralph Caso nixed the idea. Motchkavitz had also favored a term longer than the still current one-year term as county fire commission chair.

Lenny Motchkavitz is still active with the Alerts. You can still spot him at the scene of fires, and you will surely notice him driving a fire truck, especially at parades. In September, he and his brother, George, will celebrate 60 years with the Alerts.

Asked if he had any advice for this friend Andy De Martin as he begins his county fire commission chairmanship, Lenny Motchkavitz smiled and said, "Well it's one heck of a job to do, in just one year!"

Great Neck can certainly be most proud of Lenny Motchkavitz and Andy De Martin.