The Citizens for an Informed Hicksville gave a presentation at a [December 2006] Hicksville Community Council meeting that focused on issues they perceived with the Hicksville Fire District and the Hicksville Fire Department. Based on this presentation, many residents raised concerns. Unfortunately, I was not present at the meeting to view the presentation. The Hicksville Board of Fire Commissioners has respectfully requested to be furnished a copy of the slideshow, however, as of this date, the group has not complied.

Though I have not personally viewed the presentation, an issue that has been raised by several citizens is an accusation that a fire station [Station 2] was closed for three weeks without notifying the public. I can assure the residents of Hicksville that at no time was any fire station under my command closed for emergency calls or for training.

The officers of the Hicksville Fire Department and I continue to make the safety of the firefighters and our neighbors our highest priority. The residents of Hicksville can be certain that they and their loved ones are protected 7 days a week, 24 hours a day by one of the finest and most dedicated fire departments on Long Island.

Robert F. Chiz

Chief, Hicksville Fire Department