In reading your letter to the editor last week, I was taken aback by a letter from Don Wansor supporting Andy Booth for Levittown Fire Commissioner. Wansor is no longer an active member of the Levittown Fire Department or even a resident of the Levittown Fire District. Don Wansor retired and moved out of Levittown, and for that matter New York, more than two years ago. Not being local, how would he know who the best candidate for Levittown Fire Commissioner is?

Joel Bearman is a man dedicated to his endeavors and committed to improving anything he takes on. He has been involved for the past 10 years with the LAC Girls softball league, president since 2000. LAC is an impressive program which supports 350 girls and now includes a travel league. Joel has been an active member of the Levittown Fire Department (LFD) for 33 years. As chairman of the Fire Prevention Committee for the past 25 years, Joel and his committee were extremely instrumental in developing the program into what it is today. The school fire prevention program and the Open House program during the month of October (attended by over 1,000 residents) have been expanded and the Fire Safety Trailer and Freddy the Fire Truck were acquired. In his five years as commissioner he has been involved in numerous fire apparatus upgrades and building renovations. He and his fellow commissioners secured grants from Senator Kemp Hannon's office to acquire a Special Operations Vehicle and the Pre-emptor Traffic Light system, which enables emergency vehicles to control the traffic lights on Hempstead Turnpike to get to their destination faster.

Joel has recently retired from NYC EMS as a lieutenant. In his 24 years at EMS he worked on an ambulance, as a dispatcher, in the computer department, and he supervised personnel. All these qualities help him as he serves as commissioner in a department, and in a town, that he truly loves.

Let Joel's accomplishments speak for themselves. I strongly advise residents to come out and re-elect Joel Bearman on Dec. 12 at Gardiners Avenue Firehouse. Polls are open from 4 to 9 p.m. Let Joel continue his conscientious efforts as fire commissioner. As residents we will all continue to benefit.

John W. Terrillion

Ex-captain, 32-year life member