(The following statement was submitted by the John Melinski, who is the only declared candidate so far.)

I am running for re-election to the Board of Fire Commissioners of New Hyde Park Fire Department. I am asking for your support. The election will be held on Dec. 10, from 3 to 9 p.m. at Fire Headquarters on Jericho Turnpike, New Hyde Park.

I feel that I have proven myself to be uniquely qualified to serve our community. I have always taken up the causes important to all of our families, like spearheading the first paid paramedic assistant program in Nassau County to assure all of our residents top medical care during their time of need. It's this type of "peace of mind" that I have dedicated myself to providing.

I have lived in New Hyde Park my whole life. I was born and raised here and I graduated from Holy Spirit and Sewanhaka High School. I joined the New Hyde Park Fire Department when I was 18 years old, and have been an active volunteer fireman ever since. During my 53 years of service I have held every line office in the department. I was chief of the department in 1970 and 1971, and I am currently serving as the chairman of the board of fire commissioners. Actually the only time I left our community, I'm proud to say, was the four years I served in our Armed Forces during the Korean conflict.

I have two children, a daughter Susan and a son John. I'm a retired police detective and a member of the Retired Police Officers Association. I represent our community as a member of New York State's Association of Fire Chiefs and the Association of Fire Districts. I'm active in many of our community's organizations, including being a charter member of the New Hyde Park Elks.

I have always felt strongly that the fire department belongs to our community. I'm proud of our fire service and rescue proficiency, and I'm honored to be a part of it. I am dedicated to my responsibility to every family in New Hyde Park, and I will continue to work to ensure that our department's tradition of excellence continues long into our future.

Please cast your vote for me on Tuesday, Dec. 10.