I am writing in response to several letters written regarding the Hicksville Fire Department's Station 2. I would first like to start by applauding the members of Station 2 on their consistently quick responses to fire and emergency calls in their area. I believe the residents on the east side of Hicksville are much safer because of their efforts.

There have been several letters written by the Briggs Street Neighborhood Committee questioning the Hicksville Fire Department's voting hours for commissioner. These hours have been this way for many years. The Briggs Street Neighborhood Committee has said that these hours do not benefit the elderly residents of Hicksville. This was only a problem when the members of this committee preyed on the elderly and made them believe that the Hicksville Fire Department was going to use their right of eminent domain. Shame on you for tricking these residents into believing that their homes were in jeopardy. I am curious in finding out how many of the Briggs Street Neighborhood Committee members have actually voted in years past, with the exception of 2003?

In a Letter to the Editor on Oct. 22, Adam Kounas questioned the credibility of a letter written by a seventh grade girl in support of Station 2, stating that she is the daughter of the Hicksville Fire Department's public relations representative. I believe that the only reason Mr. Kounas felt compelled to reveal this information was solely because he was the man discussed in her letter, screaming and yelling his opinions at those in support of Station 2's renovations. During a rally at Station 2, Mr. Kounas came out of his house and verbally attacked residents walking in support of the firehouse.

The Briggs Street Neighborhood Committee has been twisting the facts around. Please do not take their word for the truth. Every resident has the right and obligation to find out the facts for themselves. I am in full support of Station 2's efforts to renovate their firehouse not only because it is too small but also because of their dedication to the residents of Hicksville by volunteering their time and risking their own safety to help others.

Catherine V. Gilson

Since the Hicksville Board of Fire Commissioners voted to go ahead and rebuild Station 2, what is the purpose of the Save Our Neighborhood Firehouse Committee? I'm confused because this committee seems to have been formed after the board voted to move ahead. As a homeowner, I can empathize with those whose property may be jeopardized in the future as a result of this expansion.

Margaret Ventimiglia