By Frank J. Searangella, Chairman of the Board, Levittown Fire District

The Levittown Fire District, with the assistance of Senator Kemp Hannon, is in the process of completing Traffic Signal Pre-emptors along Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. When the East Meadow Fire Department completes their portion, fire apparatus will be able to drive from New Island Hospital straight down to the Nassau University Medical Center.

There is a small unit attached to the traffic signal, that is the pre-emptor. The pre-emptor is designed to receive a signal transmitted from the fire apparatus at a distance of approximately 2,500 feet away, as long as the emergency lighting is turned on. When the signal is received, the traffic signal will turn green to allow traffic to flow with the fire apparatus. This will then enable the traffic to flow out of the way of the fire apparatus and the fire apparatus to better respond to the emergency situation.

They are also designed to shut off if the fire apparatus is placed in park or the emergency brake is activated, so that if there is an alarm along Hempstead Turnpike, the signal returns to normal function and will not tie up traffic for a long period of time.

The fire district has installed a coded system into the signal. This means that all of the fire apparatus that activate the system will only do so if a code is transmitted. Many news articles recently discussed this matter and stated that a "flashlight" like unit could be purchased to change the light.

The Levittown Fire District will also be receiving reports indicating which unit, which traffic light and the date and time they are activated, and they will be reviewed. This will allow the fire district to monitor activity within the system.

"We want everyone to be aware of this new system in case the traffic lights may change out of normal order," said Levittown Fire Chief Brian Holt. "The Levittown Fire District appreciates the public's continued support and by making everyone aware of the new system, we can all improve the response time of fire apparatus."

"I am glad to be of assistance in helping the fire safety in Levittown," Senator Hannon said. "When the department approached me several years ago about securing state funding for the pre-emption devices, I pledged to work with them until they become a reality. That time has finally arrived."