ONLINE EDITION FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 28, 2001

News

The Manhasset-Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department responded to New York City's call for mutual aid on Tuesday Sept. 11, 2001.Volunteer Firefighters each carry pagers that emergency dispatchers use to call them to the firehouse. On Sept. 11th, moments after the buildings came down, the call went out for all available Manhasset-Lakeville firefighters and emergency medical technicians to respond to their headquarters to await assignment. Within 15 minutes, 30 men and women were on their way to a firehouse in Flushing with an ambulance, an engine, a heavy rescue truck, and a hook and ladder truck. Those thirty volunteers left their jobs and families and remained at that firehouse in Flushing, responding to all emergency calls, for over 24 hours. They napped briefly, when they could, sleeping in the fire trucks and on the sidewalks. When they were no longer needed they reported back to their respective firehouses, put the equipment away and went home over 30 hours after they had left. Many of these men got home, showered and went directly to their regular jobs to put in a full day's work. Not one of those firefighters will be paid for their time, in fact many will lose money for taking time off from work, but you will never hear them complain. They were needed and they went that's just what they do.

Throughout this disaster, the city has called on many Nassau County volunteer departments for assistance. Each time the call came out, the Manhasset-Lakeville volunteers responded, quickly and in force. In all, the department has sent ambulances, a heavy rescue truck, engines, a hook and ladder truck, and a light truck to help light the scene at night. Over 100 volunteer firefighters have responded, often working through the night and then reporting to their jobs the next day. They coordinated their efforts with the Nassau County Police, NYPD, and the city fire department. They helped map out landing sights on Union turnpike and in the Macys Parking lot in case helicopters needed to bring the injured to North-Shore Manhasset or LIJ. Their efforts equaled that of any professional organization. They went above and beyond the call in every case and we should be proud. Yet if you were to commend any one of them, their response would be "I wish I could have done more, stayed longer, worked harder..."

The Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department protects an area larger than that of any department in Nassau County. With only 200 volunteers, these men and women have responded to over 1500 fire, rescue, and EMS calls so far this year. There are five companies in the department located throughout the area. The volunteers attend meetings, company trainings and department trainings as well as trainings at Nassau County's fire training facility in Bethpage. These volunteers are always on call, responding throughout the year to assist the community in whatever way they are needed. They take time out to give schools and children's groups tours of the firehouse and educate them on fire safety. They hang banners on Plandome Road to keep the community informed of activities. When the holidays roll around and everyone is more busy than usual, they always take the time to give Santa Claus a ride around the community to meet the children. An active volunteer firefighter really has a second job, devoting at least 10-15 hours a week responding to the needs of others.

At a time when so many other volunteer organizations are overwhelmed with offers to help, the volunteer fire/EMS service is still in need of volunteers. Training is free and the hours are flexible. You can contact the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department at 466-4435 for more information. It is a great way to help your community. Volunteer firefighters and EMS workers never have to wonder if they are doing enough. They sleep at night knowing each and every day they have done something to help their community. Each time their pager goes off, they leave their homes knowing they could be putting themselves in danger to save someone else, and yet they respond. If you are not able to volunteer your time there are many other ways you can help. Monetary donations are always being accepted. The next time they send you a letter or ring your doorbell please remember that they will go into your house if it is on fire or free you from your car if you are in an accident and please give all you can. You can also help by ensuring that the automatic fire alarms in your home or business are in good working order and by insisting that alarm companies fix them immediately when they malfunction. Each time an automatic alarm sounds, volunteers must respond with full manpower. In general that means at least 10 men are devoting at least one hour of their time to a false alarm. That is 10 wasted man-hours. Please keep those alarms functioning properly to help minimize these false alarms. Finally, the next time you see a flashing blue light in your rearview mirror please be courteous, the person in that car may be on their way to save a life.