On Tuesday, Dec. 10 residents of the Jericho Fire District will have the opportunity to vote for a fire commissioner, who will be elected for a five-year term. Each year, a different commissioner is up for re-election.

Residents will vote for one of two candidates running for this position - incumbent Commissioner Lawrence Bachteler Jr. and Jericho resident Howard Pastolove.

Commissioner Bachteler has been involved with the Jericho Fire Department for 32 years. The Jericho firefighter tradition runs in his family as he first got involved after he saw the success both his brother and father had.

Bachteler was first elected commissioner five years ago and is running for re-election for his second term. According to Bachteler, commissioners have many important responsibilities in the everyday workings of a fire department.

"Commissioners look into the different equipment that the chiefs bring up," said Bachteler. "We analyze it and make sure that we get the best buy for our money. We try and protect and see that the community gets the best type of equipment when it comes to rescue and defibrillators and things like that."

Bachteler is running for re-election based on his record and his experience. "I am the best candidate for the position because I have 32 years of experience," he said. "I am an ex-chief twice, captain, lieutenant and held many other elected positions. I also have a vast knowledge of firematic experience."

The new firehouse is expected to be a big topic during this year's commissioner election. "The new firehouse shouldn't be an issue in this election," said Bachteler. "We have a public meeting on Dec. 12 and then we will sit down and talk about what we are doing. I have no other comments about it now."

Howard Pastolove has been a resident in the Jericho Fire District for over 30 years. He is a past member of the Jericho Fire Department and a current member of the New York City Fire Sprinkler Contractors Association, the National Fire Sprinkler Association and the National Fire Protection Association. He has 20 years of experience in the fire sprinkler industry.

Pastolove was a member of the Jericho Fire Department for approximately five years and had to leave the department due to a medical condition.

Although Pastolove can't physically be involved in the Jericho Fire Department, as a third-generation owner in the fire sprinkler business, he still saves lives.

If elected, one of Pastolove's goals is to get the community more involved and aware of all that the Jericho Fire Department has to offer. "I have a great respect for the volunteers and although I can't physically do it now, I've been there and know how hard it is," said Pastolove. "I think the community should have a great deal of respect for the volunteers and the fire department should have respect for the community."

When asked about the new firehouse, Pastolove agreed with many Jericho residents, "I don't know all of the details."

Pastolove has not seen the proposed plans of the firehouse and said that he would like to. "I have heard the proposed size, location and reasons for them wanting to build and the cost," he said. "I don't know if I should take a stand on it or not at this point because I don't have 100 percent of the information. I am against it at this time based on what I do know, but I am leaving myself open to be brought up to speed on all of the facts."

One of the main things that Pastolove plans to investigate is the need for the new firehouse and he wants to look at studies that have been conducted regarding traffic and other details.

If elected, he hopes to strengthen the communication between the fire department and the residents of Jericho. "One of my ideas is having a liaison so the two can communicate better," said Pastolove, who has other ideas to increase membership and encourage younger Jericho residents to get involved as well. "By helping the department, you are helping your own community," he said.

"You have to have respect for these people and the commissioners have to have respect for the community. Everyone has to work together and I would like to see that happen," he said.

All Jericho residents are urged to vote on Dec. 10 at the Jericho Fire House headquarters located at 424 North Broadway in Jericho between the hours of 6-9 p.m. In order to vote, a resident must be a registered voter and a resident of the Jericho Fire District, which does not always coincide with town lines and school districts.