Sitting with me in the fire house is Joseph Gerrato. At just 14 years old, Joseph Gerrato began his distinguished career in public service as an Explorer, honing his leadership skills as captain from 1996-1997. Over the past 28 years, Joseph has dedicated himself to protecting his community as a firefighter, rising through the ranks to become Chief…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is John Ippolito Jr. John Ippolito Jr. A third-generation firefighter, John Ippolito Jr. has dedicated over 35 years to serving his community. As the current Assistant Chief of the Bay Shore Fire Department (BSFD), John's passion for the fire service runs deep - he's been an active member since joining the Juniors i…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Commissioner Noel Thomas. Noel Thomas has dedicated over three decades to protecting his community as a member of the Uniondale Fire Department. Since joining the force in 1990, this seasoned firefighter has risen through the ranks, serving as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, and even holding the prestigious p…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Konica Devasser. Konica has dedicated a decade of her life to the Uniondale fire department, serving on the rescue and EMT team as part of emergency company number 1. As the former chairwoman for disaster preparedness, she has honed her skills in crisis response and community readiness. With years of experience, …

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Paul Wilders. Paul Wilders is a 40 +-year veteran of the fire service and currently the Chief Instructor of the Nassau County, NY, Fire Service Academy. He is the former Chief of the North Merrick, NY, Fire Department and a senior member of that department's training committee. Wilders is an instructor of nationa…

Sitting with me in the fire house is Josiyah Green. Chief Josiyah Green, of the Inwood Fire Department, exemplifies dedication and bravery in service. With years of experience, he has led his team through numerous challenging situations, always prioritizing the safety of his community. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure and his commitment t…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Dominic Russo. Dominic Russo's lifelong passion for firefighting began at just 3 years old, when he started accompanying his uncle to the fire station. From watching the "road runners" race at drills to helping with truck maintenance, Dominic was hooked. This early exposure led him to join his local junior fire d…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Gerard Gagliano. Gerry is a member of Hicksville Fire Department Volunteer Hose Company 4 and EMS Squad. Having originally joined in 1983 as a member of Protection Hook and Ladder Co. 1. He is an Ex-Captain of the Rescue Squad, and past member of the Department Hazardous Materials Response Team, and also was a me…

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Chris Stafford. Inspired by his firefighter father, Chris Stafford has dedicated over 15 years to serving his community as a volunteer firefighter. As a former Captain of the Truck Company at the East Meadow Fire Department, Chris responded to countless emergency calls, including a memorable mutual aid fire where…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Willie Geddish. From chasing fire trucks on his bike as a child to becoming a respected partner at a national law firm, Willie has always had a deep connection to the fire service. Growing up across the street from the fire department, he would spend his youth hanging out with the firefighters and attending drill…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Edwin Wilmarth, III. Edwin Wilmarth, III joined the Broad Channel Fire Department as a Junior August 11th, 1993 and was voted in to the main department April 9th, 1998. FF Engines 201 and 203 1998-2001. Lieutenant Engine 203 2002-2006. Captain Engine 203 2007-2011. Assistant Chief 2012 & 2013. Chief of Dept. 2014…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is James Hickman. James joined a volunteer fire department in North Carolina back in 1977. When he moved to New York in 1983, he joined the Floral Park Fire Department; starting in Reliance Engine Co. #2. After a couple of years James transferred to the Rescue Co. and has been there ever since. In 1993 James was hir…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Chief Mike Gordon. Chief Mike Gordon is the 1st African American Chief and the 3rd assistant chief of the Freeport Fire Department. He is also ex captain of Hose company #5 11 year member. You can continue to follow his journey on Instagram @mgordon215, comedy page @mgtheentertainer. If anyone interested in recru…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Chief Dudley. Chief Dudley joined North Lindenhurst FD as a junior firefighter September 1989, the Lindenhurst Fire Department 3/3/92 and was an active member until 4/12/99. Soon after he joined the North Lindenhurst FD where he was assigned to Engine & Heavy Rescue Co.1. He was elected 2nd Lieutenant in 2003, el…

Sitting with me in "The Firehouse" today is former Chief Hugh Lacy. Raised in Hempstead, Hugh ventured to Boston for higher education, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Brandeis University and an MBA in Information Technology from Bentley University. After acquiring a wealth of knowledge, he returned to New York and has d…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Ex-Chief Jean Laurent from the Uniondale Fire Department. Jean grew up in the very town he now serves, embodying the spirit of community and dedication from a young age. His journey from a local resident to the chief of the department is a testament to his commitment and bravery. As Chief, Jean demonstrated excep…

Sitting in the firehouse is Bill Wade. Bill has been involved with volunteering in Nassau County since September of 1983. He joined the South Side Hose 2 in Oceanside, LI and just finished his term as Chief of the Point Lookout-Lido FD in April of 2024!Av Chris Moses for "WRHU"

Sitting in the firehouse is Eric McEvoy. Eric has been a South Hempstead department member for over 7 years. He has held the rank of Lieutenant and is now in his second year of captain. He has held various roles on committees and is a full time Police Officer.Av Chris Moses for "WRHU"

Sitting in the firehouse is Chief Charles "Charlie" Hendry born in 1971 and attended St. Ladislaus in Hempstead and St. Martha's in Uniondale for grade school, followed by Holy Trinity HS, graduating in 1989. He joined HFD in 1989, served in various roles including Ex-Captain of Harper Hook and Ladder 1, and became Hempstead Chief from 2008-2017. C…

Sitting in the firehouse is Chief Charles "Charlie" Hendry born in 1971 and attended St. Ladislaus in Hempstead and St. Martha's in Uniondale for grade school, followed by Holy Trinity HS, graduating in 1989. He joined HFD in 1989, served in various roles including Ex-Captain of Harper Hook and Ladder 1, and became Hempstead Chief from 2008-2017. C…

Sitting in the firehouse is Ex-Chief John Skelly. Born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1963, his family moved to Long Island in the early summer of 1964. John has been a lifelong resident of Uniondale for nearly 60 years, where he experienced many of his "firsts"—first friends, first school, first job, and countless cherished childhood memories. In early 2002,…

Sitting with him in the firehouse today is Harold Long, who proudly holds the title of Ex-Chief after decades of distinguished service. He is currently an active member of the Uniondale Fire Department, where he has served for 27 years. Alongside his duties at the fire department, Long has also been an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) with the Fi…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Ex-Chief Heather Senti of the Lakeview Fire Department exemplifies hard work and dedication. Born into a family with a long history in the Lakeview Fire Department, Heather grew up surrounded by the values of service and community. Her family all served before her, creating a legacy that Heather was inspired to f…

Joining me in 'The Firehouse' on WRHU 88.7 FM today is the incredible Jessica Ellerbe. Jessica, an ex-chief of the Uniondale Fire Department and a seasoned dispatcher, shares her profound experiences in our first-ever two-part episode. With remarkable stories of her challenges and triumphs as a firefighter, she will delve into the deep camaraderie …

Joining me in 'The Firehouse' on WRHU 88.7 FM today is the incredible Jessica Ellerbe. Jessica, an ex-chief of the Uniondale Fire Department and a seasoned dispatcher, shares her profound experiences in our first-ever two-part episode. With remarkable stories of her challenges and triumphs as a firefighter, she will delve into the deep camaraderie …

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Fitzroy Morgan, a Uniondale volunteer firefighter and EMT in EMS and Rescue Company 1. Fitzroy not only excels in his role but also speaks on recruitment, fire prevention, preparedness, and other vital topics. Our conversation delves into the unique challenges of firefighting and rescue operations in residential …

Sitting with me in 'The Firehouse' on WRHU 88.7 FM, is none other than Renand Accius, a distinguished firefighter from the Freeport Fire Department Truck 1 and also a part of FDNY. Today, Renand takes us inside the life of a modern-day hero, sharing the highs and lows of firefighting, the intense camaraderie among the crew, and the profound sense o…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Kevin Madigan, fondly known as K-Mad, representing Freeport Fire Department's Hose Company #4. Alongside his firefighting duties, Kevin is the proud owner of K2M Photography, specializing in fire photography. Today, he offers insights into his multifaceted role, shedding light on the challenges and rewards of fir…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Lamont Evans, a respected firefighter from Truck Company 4, within the Uniondale Fire Department. Lamont also serves on the Disaster Preparedness Committee, adding depth to his insights. Today, he reflects on his experiences, including his response to the 9/11 attacks. We'll explore the unique challenges of his r…

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Darnell Perrien, a firefighter at Republic Airport and a Volunteer of the Lakeview Fire Department. This conversation is particularly intriguing because firefighting and rescue operations at an airport pose unique challenges distinct from those in residential or commercial settings. Darnell's experiences shed lig…

Sitting with me in the firehouse for this episode of 'The Firehouse' on WRHU 88.7 FM is Glen Roesch, a dedicated firefighter from the Ocean Beach Fire Department on Fire Island. Today, Glen offers an exclusive insight into the distinct challenges and experiences of firefighting on Fire Island—a situation most people are unfamiliar with. He shares t…

"Sitting with me in the firehouse on this episode of 'The Firehouse' on WRHU 88.7 FM, is none other than Cameron Peek, a distinguished firefighter from Uniondale Fire Department's Brookside Company 2. Today, Cameron takes us inside the life of a modern-day hero, sharing the highs and lows of firefighting, the intense camaraderie among the crew, and…

"Sitting with me in the firehouse on this episode of 'The Firehouse' on WRHU 88.7 FM, is none other than Eric Turner, a distinguished firefighter from Uniondale Fire Department's Brookside Company 2. Today, Eric takes us inside the life of a modern-day hero, sharing the highs and lows of firefighting, the intense camaraderie among the crew, and the…

"Sitting with me in the firehouse on this episode of 'The Firehouse' on WRHU 88.7 FM, is none other than Cameron Crayton, a distinguished firefighter from Uniondale Fire Department's Brookside Company 2. Today, Cameron takes us inside the life of a modern-day hero, sharing the highs and lows of firefighting, the intense camaraderie among the crew, …