As you know, I have lived in Hicksville for 25 years and have an office in Hicksville since 1999. In the time I have lived here, I have met and interacted with many people in all walks of life, as a coach of sports, a businessman, parishioner (St Ignatius Church) and parent.

One of the people I was extremely lucky to get to know is Robert Dwyer. I have gotten to know Bobby as a parent, firefighter, commissioner of the Hicksville Fire Department, and as a volunteer coach. Bobby has impressed me with his loyalty, integrity, moral character and the willingness to take even the most unpopular stands if it is good for the Hicksville community.

I first met Bob when my home on Ohio Street had an oil burner fire and lucky for my wife and three children Bobby was there to help at the late hour. My dealings have been on a professional and familial basis and what has left a lasting impression on my family and my wife's family is the time spent on all of the responsibilities that come with being a fire commissioner.

Far be it for me to influence anyone to vote one way or the other but I can tell you that I will feel in a lot more experienced hands if a man of Robert Dwyer's character and integrity is re-elected.

James P Napolitano, C.P.A.

It appears that in this year's fire commissioner election, the same group that supported Mike Krummenacker last year is supporting Bob Manson. I find it ironic that last year this same group criticized the current board of fire commissioners for purchasing new pumpers and equipment and this year uses the campaign slogan "Let's Move Forward" which is totally contrived. How can you improve a fire department without modernizing its fire trucks? Once again, they are just trying to make their opponent look bad.

The Hicksville Fire Department is already at the top of the ladder. The Insurance Company Underwriters rated the Hicksville Fire Department not only one of the best on Long Island but one of the best fire departments in New York State. In a recent Newsday article, the Hicksville Fire Department was highlighted for having the highest budget, but at $241 for an average single family home it is below the county's average tax rate. At only $.66 a day, it is cheaper than my sanitation or sewer tax. This insurance company rating was achieved by our fire commissioners getting the best equipment, fire trucks and training for their firefighters as well as strategically locating the four Hicksville firehouses in the neighborhood, which best suits the needs of Hicksville.

At our last meeting of the Save Your Neighborhood Firehouse Committee we invited both fire commissioner candidates to attend. When asked the question about the recent Newsday articles and how it relates to the Hicksville Fire Department, only Commissioner Bob Dwyer had the answer. Due to his 15 years of experience as fire commissioner, Bob Dwyer informed us how Newsday misled us. The Hicksville Fire Department's response time is faster than the county's average due to the four firehouses and dedicated members. Most fire departments are having trouble recruiting new members, but Hicksville has plenty of volunteers and with 17 new members this year, the Hicksville Fire Department is going to remain strong in the future. The EMS squad has plenty of qualified technicians manning its four ambulances 24/7, 365 days a year for your protection. Bob Dwyer is a lifelong Hicksville resident and a Hicksville firefighter for 33 years and a fire commissioner for the past 15 years. He has also been involved in many youth and community organizations. Bob Dwyer was a major factor in getting the Hicksville Fire Department where it is today. Bob will make sure that the residents of Hicksville get the best in fire and EMS protection. Now and in the future.

Now "Lets Keep It Moving" and re-elect Bob Dwyer as Hicksville Fire Commissioner.

Edward B. Mirabito

Hicksville Fire Department, Station 2

Save Your Neighborhood Firehouse Committee

I am writing this letter to urge Hicksville residents to take a few minutes to cast their vote for fire commissioner on Tuesday, Dec. 13. In light of the recent media focus regarding our volunteer fire service, it is more important than ever for taxpayers and residents to show their support for the Hicksville Fire Department.

Secondly, I wish to declare my support for Commissioner Bob Dwyer who has served the community in that capacity for the past 15 years. He is a lifelong resident of Hicksville, where he has been a volunteer firefighter for 33 years. I had the privilege of serving on the board of fire commissioners with Bob and know firsthand that he has always treated the needs of our firefighters and residents as a top priority.

His opponent, who has had an honorable career as a chief officer in the FDNY, claims that his experience there would be an asset to the Hicksville Fire District. I strongly disagree. I have had a long career as a New York City firefighter and have served as a commissioner in Hicksville, where I have also given 36 years as a volunteer firefighter. That is why I am duly qualified to point out that administering to the great FDNY is a very different task than working alongside our Hicksville volunteers and residents and does not qualify one to sit on the board of fire commissioners.

Additionally, it has been brought to my attention that a group of residents has sadly turned this election into a personal attack against Mr. Dwyer. I fear that, if elected, his opponent would be serving at their request rather than doing what is in the best interest of the Hicksville Fire Department and the community we serve.

Again, I urge the residents to come out and re-elect Bob Dwyer Hicksville Fire Commissioner on Tuesday, Dec. 13. The voting will take place at the East Marie Street firehouse between 4 and 9 p.m.

Thomas J. Cunningham

Retired Lieutenant, FDNY

Volunteer, Hicksville Fire Department