Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray honored local volunteer firefighters at a special ceremony on Oct. 18. Twenty individuals were honored for their courage and dedication to protecting local communities.

"Firefighters make significant sacrifices and put their lives on the line every day to protect people and their property," said Murray. "What makes the activities of our talented honorees so compelling is the fact that they volunteer, giving of their personal time, to ensure that our residents are safe."

Many of this year's recipients were honored for heroic deeds performed during the normal course of their day. "This only highlights the humanity and public-spiritedness these special individuals embrace," observed Murray.

Among those awarded the town's firematic medal for their distinguished service as members of the volunteer fire service community were three members of the Franklin Square/Munson Fire Department. They are ex-captain Dennis Canese, lieutenant John Novello and treasurer Leonard Jenik.

In the early morning hours of June 14 Lieutenant John Novello of the Franklin Square/Munson Fire Department was at home when he heard a loud boom, which shook his entire house. After making sure his family was safe, he went outside to investigate the noise. Immediately he heard the roar of a fire and saw that his neighbor's home was engulfed in flames. Lt. Novello immediately notified Firecom and checked other neighbors making sure they were safe.

John then headed for the fire-engulfed home, having to jump over a downed power line to get there. Upon arrival John met former-department member and Captain Dennis Canese who also lives in the neighborhood. Together they began calling for the owner who seconds later appeared at a living room window.

With total disregard for their own safety both Novello and Canese entered the house, which was completely ablaze. They had to climb over and move debris to get to the victim, who was in shock and severely burned. John and Dennis rescued the homeowner just minutes before the entire structure collapsed.

The collapse of the structure caused its chimney to crash through the roof of a neighboring house, setting it on fire. Again, with disregard for their own safety, Novello and Canese, with the aid of a Nassau County Police officer and 2 ambulance technicians helped the occupants to safety.

To quote Franklin Square and Munson Fire Chief Teddy Braun, "The actions of Novello and Canese were the most heroic I have ever seen in my 22 years as a firefighter and 20 years as a New York City police officer." Indeed words of praise for the actions of heroes

Leonard Jenik is a former captain and a dedicated firefighter who serves as the Franklin Square and Munson Department's treasurer. Lenny has served on many committees and worked on special projects whenever he has been asked.

After 9/11, FEMA made available grants to volunteer fire departments. When the department asked Lenny to research it, he was right on it. You see, Lenny doesn't just "look" into something, he dives in head-first. He attended seminars, did research, made phone calls and conducted interviews.

A 30-page proposal prepared by Lenny ultimately got his department a live fire mobile training unit. The unit provides realistic firefighting and rescue scenarios using propane tanks, roof cutting operations and other features that cannot be reproduced at any other facility anywhere on Long Island.

Lenny has also succeeded in establishing a training program for any department that might want to train their firefighters. Thanks to Lenny Jenik his department has hosted dozens of other departments for training sessions.

Former Captain Jenik has received the Nassau County Firefighter of the Year Award and the Medal of Valor for Heroism in the Line of Duty.

Congratulations to these outstanding individuals.

"Volunteer firefighters are indeed heroes in our communities and the Town of Hempstead is extremely grateful to each and every member of the local fire departments," said Murray. "It's a pleasure to have this opportunity to recognize Hempstead Town's bravest."