My name is Joel Berman and I was born and raised in Levittown. I graduated from Division Avenue High School in 1973. In 1974, I joined the Levittown Fire Department, almost 28 years ago.

I'm probably best recognized as the firefighter who goes to schools, provides tours for scouts, and helps to run our Annual Fire Prevention Open House, all of which to teach fire safety and prevention. I have always been drawn to teaching fire prevention and have served as the department's chairperson for this committee for the past 20 years. I'm also an instructor for the Nassau County Fire Service Academy, teaching fire prevention throughout Nassau County.

There will be an election for Fire Commissioner on Tuesday, Dec. 11 at the Gardiners Avenue Firehouse from 4 to 9 p.m. I'm seeking election to this office.

Over the past 13 years, I have been a member of the Chief's Staff, currently serving as an administrative assistant to the Chief. I have also been asked to assist the Board of Fire Commissioners many times, and believe that I have the reputation of getting the job done.

I'm employed by the FDNY, as a Lieutenant in the Emergency Medical Service, currently assigned to Flushing, Queens. During my 20 years in EMS, I have worked in the communications division, as a dispatcher, as a computer programmer and for the chief of operations, EMSC.

I now wish to do the job for you, the residents of the Levittown Fire District. My years as a volunteer firefighter/EMT, along with my work experience has given me a strong background in the emergency response field.

It is the responsibility of Fire Commissioners to provide the community with the best firefighting protection and emergency medical care available, as well as maintain the buildings, apparatus and all equipment. Fire Commissioners also prepare the budget and authorize all purchases for the first district. I'm qualified to perform these tasks, and ask your support in doing so.

To be eligible to vote in this election, you must be registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections and live within the Levittown Fire District.

I have always loved being a part of the Levittown Fire Department, not only in being a firefighter and fire prevention educator, but also by giving something back to the community that I have been a part of all my life.

Please come out and vote for me on Dec. 11.

Joel Berman

On Tuesday, Dec. 11, between the hours of 4 and 9 p.m., all registered voters are asked to come to the Gardiners Avenue Firehouse to cast a vote. A lot of you may have never voted for Fire Commissioner before, but now is the time to start. I, Andrew Booth, am asking you the residents to come and cast that vote.

Let me take a few minutes of your time to tell you a little about myself. Being a veteran, I moved to Levittown from the city in June 1976, just like a lot of you. My wife and I are still in the same home we bought. In 1977 I started to work for the county of Nassau. I started out as a cook's helper at the Nassau County Medical Center. Soon after, I was asked if I would like to be a cook at the Nassau County Jail. I worked there for almost 20 years before I had to retire due to getting an injury at the jail.

My wife Joyce and I will be married 35 years in January. We raised our son Andrew in the Levittown School District. I became involved with the Levittown Fire Department and was sworn in as Captain of Engine Company 3, a position I held for two years. As a good captain you must keep your members motivated and have good and sound training. As a captain you must also make sure that you have qualified members to get the fire apparatus to and from alarms safely. This position also involves making sound decisions on things from a budget to the safety of the members. After I left office as Captain, the Chief's office asked me to be chairperson of the Department Training Committee, which I did for six years.

If I had told you all of my awards, it would take a page to complete. But I would like to tell you about a few.

I have three awards that my wife and I are proud of. The first one was for saving a woman at a house fire (I was awarded Fireman of the Year) in 1987. The second was from the Town of Hempstead (for starting the Thanksgiving dinner for the seniors, the food drive, and the Adopt A Family Program) award in 1994. The third is from the community (for Outstanding Service to the Levittown Community) in 1997.

A lot of you either know me personally or have heard of me. For those of you who don't know me, I am wheelchair-bound, which is why I can't fight fires anymore. But don't let that fool you. Being in a wheelchair will never slow me down. I am proud to be a part of this great community. I am as committed and devoted to this district now as I was before.

Andrew Booth

Ex-Captain, Levittown Fire Department