When the World Trade Center was struck on Sept. 11, West Hempstead Fire Commissioner Robert DeAngelis was working in one of the towers as a purchasing manager for a global engineering and construction company.

Unfortunately, Mr. DeAngelis was one of the many victims of the tragedy. However, he left behind his legacy in the community. His position as a fire commissioner must now be filled and two candidates are vying for it.

His wife Denise is running for his open seat, a three-year term. She is being opposed by Michael O'Neill. The candidates submitted the following statements through the West Hempstead Civic Association:

Úquot;In these volatile times, it's important to have experienced leaders who understand our community's current and future safety needs and are in a position to ensure they are successfully implemented. As a lifelong resident of West Hempstead and a 22-year member of the West Hempstead Fire Department, I believe that I have the experience, knowledge and leadership qualities required for the position of fire commissioner. Working with the fire commissioners over these past years as chief of the department and company president has given me the opportunity to understand the inner workings of both the fire district and the fire department. My position with the Nassau County Emergency Management Committee has allowed me to review and plan the county's preparedness for major and limited area disasters.

Úquot;I have been an officer in the telecommunications services division of a major corporation for the past 17 years and have extensive experience with financial budgets, material acquisition, mediation, project and personnel management. These skills along with my firematic experience will enable me to perform the duties required of a fire commissioner in the West Hempstead Fire District.Úquot;

Úquot;It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Denise DeAngelis. For those who do not know me, I am a resident of West Hempstead and the wife of the late Robert J. DeAngelis. Robert was a long time resident of West Hempstead and a West Hempstead Fire District Commissioner.

Úquot;The tragic terrorist event of September 11 hit our family hard as we lost our beloved Robert as a result. Robert died a hero and his chair as a West Hempstead Fire Commissioner must now be filled. The time has come to pass his respected and honorable torch to another individual.

Úquot;On Dec. 11, I seek to serve my husband's remaining three-year term as a new fire commissioner for the West Hempstead Fire District. It is my intention to bring a continued high regard to the office together with a keen vision of a positive future for the entire department and fire district.

Úquot;I stand with an unwavering strength to serve the taxpayers of West Hempstead with faith in God's wisdom, the utmost of integrity and commitment to excellence. It is with great respect that I ask for the support of the West Hempstead community.Úquot;

Voting will take place on Dec. 11 at the West Hempstead Fire House, 295 Hempstead Turnpike. For more information, call 483-6244. Polls will be open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.

In another race for the West Hempstead Fire Commissioner, Gary Hayes is running for re-election against challenger Ronald Magarie. The term is for five years.

Úquot;I am a lifelong resident with 30 years of fire service experience, including line officer, chief and commissioner. My family and I take pride in our community and are members of various volunteer organizations including the Benevolent Order of the Elks, St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and Girl Scouts.

Úquot;As a mechanic for George's Sunoco in the '70s, I acquired much knowledge that helped me obtain a part time mechanic position for the district in the '70s and '80s. When I was elected commissioner in 1996, I became Truck Maintenance Officer and have cut the mechanic maintenance costs in half. Hiring a part-time civil service mechanic with certificates to maintain all our trucks alleviated the need to send them out for costly repairs.

Úquot;I am a member of the Long Island Emergency Technicians Association and initiated a High Band Radio System, which enables the officers to remain in constant communication at an emergency scene.

Úquot;My main goal is to work with the chief and his committee to purchase a tower ladder truck to replace our existing 16-year-old tower ladder. We feel the safety and financial aspect of this is of utmost importance to the district. Purchasing a truck now would allow the district to trade-in their existing vehicle while it still has value. The proposed truck has many safety features both for the men and possible fallen victims. A new tower ladder would save maintenance dollars and that means tax dollars.

Úquot;As one of five members of the board of fire commissioners, I have worked hard to keep taxes down and this year, as chairman, we actually lowered them.

Úquot;The volunteer fire service has been very rewarding and, in years past, very family oriented. My oldest son currently is a lieutenant on the line to chief. I would like to encourage more camaraderie in the fire department and foster a sense of pride in our community. We need more leaders, not followers.Úquot;

Úquot;Over the past 27 years, having been chief of the department, president of the fire company and an active member of the West Hempstead Fire Department, I have gathered extensive experience working with current and past fire commissioners. This experience has allowed me to understand the goals of the district and department and the importance of their mutual interaction. I have attended and successfully completed numerous fire ground operation and personnel management courses, receiving certificates in all.

Úquot;Over the past seven years, I have been instrumental in the development of the Nassau County Emergency Response and Disaster Plan. I have initiated and secured several state senatorial grants, which have enabled the purchase and implementation of operational, weather monitoring and communications equipment. The West Hemsptead Fire Department is one of nine focal points for operations of the emergency response teams for Nassau County. My foresight in seeing a great need for the protection of the citizens of West Hempstead has placed us on the cutting edge of readiness.

Úquot;I have worked in the building trades industry for over 27 years. As an electrical contractor, my daily duties include personal management, purchasing, materials budgeting, job costing and vehicle purchase and maintenance. These skills along with my firematic experience place me in a unique position to carry out the job requirements as Fire Commissioner.Úquot;

Voting for the commissioners of the Lakeview Fire District will take place at the Lakeview firehouse, 891 Woodfield Road. The candidate is Frank Damiano Sr. is running unopposed. Polls will be open from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. For information, call 766-9869. </div>