By Joe Rizza

The official opening of the renovated Mineola Firehouse on Sunday marked an historic day in the long and rich history of the Mineola Volunteer Fire Department. A modernized firehouse so that the department can perform to the best of its abilities came to fruition in recent months and members as well residents celebrated its christening with a ceremony and reception.

Master of Ceremonies of the afternoon Paul Cusato spoke about how the fire chiefs dealt with the renovation. For a year and a half, companies one, two and three shared Company Three's headquarters on Elm Place. "Thanks to the hospitality of Company Three, things work out quite well," Cusato said.

During that time, workers followed a master plan so that Mineola's Company One and Company Two could eventually move back into their home.

Sunday was a day of recognition as the fire department recognized those who helped make the project possible. Those recognized for their efforts included current Chief Jack Gayson, 1st Assistant Chief Mike DeStefano, 2nd Assistant Chief Scott Strauss, ex-Chief Walter Langer, ex-Chief Lewis Buttacoli, Martin Dawber, Scott Holliday, Frank Allen, Arthur Barnet, Thomas Clingo, Nick Dnyprowsky, Arthur Egner, David Kearney and Steven Stolarik Sr.

As a day of recognition, the Chief's Office was dedicated in memory of ex-Chief Joseph Sellitto Sr. On hand were Joseph Selitto Jr, a member of Company One, and his family to help cut the ribbon, signifying the dedication.

Former Mineola Mayor Robert W. Hinck, Sr. was also made an honorary chief by the department. Also on hand to celebrate the newly renovated firehouse was current Mineola Mayor John P. Colbert, Deputy Mayor and ex-Chief Lou Santosus, trustees Maryanne Warnecke, Elizabeth Conlon and Linda Fairgrieve, Nassau County Legislator Rich Nicolello, New York State Senator Michael Balboni, New York State Assemblywoman Maureen O'Connell, and former Mineola Mayors Ed Smith and Ann Galante.

Also celebrating the occasion with the fire department was Nassau County Executive Thomas Gulotta. "There are many people who worked together over a great many years to turn what was once a dream into a reality," Mr. Gulotta said. "Ultimately, it is the residents and taxpayers of the village that this project properly serves. By providing these facilities, this department, which consists of volunteers who really deserve to be emulated by others in the volunteer services for their courage, commitment and dedication, is better able to serve the residents in protecting property and lives."

Mayor Colbert expressed his pride in the Mineola Fire Department. As a way of thanks, Mayor Colbert and the board provided the department with the facilities it needs to continue its service to the community. "To the people of the Village of Mineola, you have the finest crew of volunteers," the mayor said.

A ribbon was then cut to signify the christening of the firehouse. The renovation took many years to happen, but members expressed their satisfaction in its outcome.

Chief Gayson said members were pleased with the village's decision to approve a facility that is large enough to serve the community. "It's an investment in the future of the residents of the village. It gave us the opportunity to purchase the proper equipment that is required so by expanding the building and giving us the room to be the equipment inside, they're really on the forefront here. They brought the firehouse right up to the 21st century," he said. "It has made the membership very happy and in the spirit of volunteerism, we want to make our membership happy because they come down here on their own time and go through all kinds of training. We feel the village has done a proper job in promoting that good spirit."

As head of the building renovation committee, ex-Chief Richard Kotowki, who served as chief from 1991 to 1993, played an invaluable role in the project. He described the long process in the renovation of the firehouse. He remembers a referendum to renovate the firehouse in 1987 that went out to the voters of the community, but failed. Funds to complete the project couldn't be sprung free.

"We just never had the money or capability to do it," said Santosus, who, as the board's liaison to the fire department, spent numerous hours working on the project.

As time progressed, the Mineola Fire Department became desperate for space. The firehouse actually housed the fire department as well as village hall. However, the building that currently houses village hall at 155 Washington Avenue became available and it was purchased by the village at the end of 1992. Village Hall was moved over to its current location in 1996 and room was freed up in the firehouse.

Santosus said equipment was being made bigger so the department needed more room. "It became apparent we needed more space for the trucks and for the companies," he said. "That's when a total renovation was done. It was a needed improvement because of the size of the equipment and because of the mandatory training courses needed today. It was a sign of the times."

Members are quite impressed with their new home. "It came out pretty nice. We tried to mix a pleasurable atmosphere with a workable atmosphere," said Kotowski.

In addition to housing Companies One and Two, the firehouse will serve as the emergency command post for the village. "This is really the nerve center of the village," Santosus said.

In case of any emergency, the firehouse can be used to house people temporarily. It can also be used in case of emergencies such as major storms.

As it stands now on Washington Avenue, the new firehouse serves as an asset to its department as the department serves as an asset to the village.