I would like to recognize the Manhasset-Lakeville, Plandome and Great Neck fire departments for their quick response in extinguishing a significant home fire on Feb. 29 on Colony Lane. I also want to commend one of my neighbors for helping out that night. I went to Nassau Avenue that evening to meet a resident and offer her my home when I noticed a young man who was directing the traffic that was detoured onto Nassau Avenue due to construction on Park Avenue. Many cars had stopped to watch the fire and the fire engines couldn't maneuver around them. Johnathan Gillis, who lives on Ryder Road, immediately went to assist and keep the traffic moving so the fire trucks could battle the blaze from the Nassau Avenue entrance. He stayed out there in the cold for several hours along with other neighbors and kept the roadway clear for the fire fighters.

I am very proud of him and wanted to recognize his act of community service.

Dorothy Leung