Giving back to the community is one of the tenets that the Mineola Junior Fire Department is based on. These young men and women are taught that they must show a dedication to their organization and to their community to be successful. Two of the many ways that the Junior Fire Department gives back to the community is assisting with the annual Mustang Run and the village tree lighting.

For this year's Mustang Run, members of the Junior Fire Department handed out water to the runners as they passed by and along with firefighters blocked off intersections, making the course safe for the runners. Firefighters, ladies auxiliary members and junior firefighters also ran and walked the race in support of the Mustang Run. The Mineola Fire Department and the community has benefited from the proceeds generated by this run. By purchasing life-saving equipment such as our thermal imaging camera, which allows us to see through smoke and find victims in a fire, and our oxy-gasoline cutting torch, which allows us to cut through steel and heavy materials in rescue situations, the community benefits by our increased rescue capabilities.

The Junior Fire Department always plays a big part in the village's annual tree lighting ceremony. Some of the members were in costume and others assisted the children with their visit to Santa. A new item this year was the marshmallow s'mores that were prepared by the junior firefighters and cooked by Mineola firefighters. These treats were a big hit. After Chief Scott Strauss had the honor of lighting the village tree, Santa was ushered in by the members of the Mineola Fire Department on Company 2's 1935 antique floodlight. This truck has lit the way during many of Mineola's historic fires and was pressed into duty again to light the way for Santa to meet and greet all the residents of Mineola.

Captain William Gille from Truck Company 2 would like to congratulate a few of his members for special accomplishments in the month of December. First, congratulations go to Steve and Angie Stolarik on their 50th wedding anniversary. Next, congratulations go to Michael Ciesla on being selected as Company 2 Firefighter of the Year. Finally, in combination with Engine Company 3, both companies would like to congratulate Rob and Diane Connolly on the birth of their twin daughters, Megan and Melissa. Rob is ex-captain of Truck 2, and Diane is a firefighter with Engine 3. Captain George Rowe from Engine 3 is also pleased to announce that Frank Heinrich was selected as Engine Company 3's Firefighter of the Year.

Please keep the date of Sunday, Feb. 13 open as the Mineola Junior Fire Department once again hosts their annual pasta dinner. This is their main fund raiser for the year and it always turns out to be a spectacular event. Come down and bring your friends and neighbors to the Mineola Community Center, and enjoy the delicious food and support the young men and women of the Mineola Junior Fire Department.

Chief Strauss and all members of the Mineola Fire Department, Ladies Auxiliary and Junior Fire Department would like to extend warm wishes for a joyous holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year.