On Tuesday, Dec. 14 Hicksville residents have the opportunity to elect a member to the five person-board of fire commissioners. This governing body has the responsibility to insure your family's safety and cost effectively allocate funds to guarantee the accomplishments of our Hicksville Fire Department.

For the past 10 years, I, Joseph Giardina, have served on the Board of Fire Commissioners. I want you, the taxpayers of Hicksville, to know that I have always fought for good fiscal spending while at the same time provided the firefighters of the Hicksville Fire Department with the best equipment.

During my time on the board there have been many improvements to both the facilities and the equipment. The board has had the foresight to work to improve the facilities that house our volunteers and our equipment. Many of the firehouses were in need of repair and improvements. Our board has also increased the EMS service with a complement of four state-of-the-art ambulances. It has purchased "Heart Starts" to ensure that the volunteers have the best equipment to aid in cardiac care emergencies.

Our Board has also put a strong emphasis on education and training. These two elements not only benefit our firefighters but aid our community as well. The re-focus on training is brought about by a board willing to approve seminars, schools and conventions that focus on EMS and fire training.

In closing, I am asking for your support because I believe that I am the best candidate to serve you. When you make your choice on Dec. 14 from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m., remember that I have the experience and the knowledge to continue the 10-year tradition of excellence. Please vote at the Firehouse located at 20 E. Marie Street. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Joseph Giardina