(UNIONDALE and WESTBURY, N.Y.) – Prior to its Monday, March 24 meeting, Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks (D - Uniondale) joined her Legislative colleagues in honoring members of the 31 Nassau County fire departments that provided mutual aid to the battle the Jennings Creek Wildfire in upstate Orange County, N.Y. last fall.
Their service spanned Wednesday, Nov. 13 until the last deployment on Tuesday, Nov. 19, and upstate fire officials said Long Island departments were notable for the significant amount of mutual aid that they mustered for the emergency response. This led Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé (D – Freeport) begin working closely with fire officials and leaders of the Legislature to coordinate Monday’s celebration. Above, Legislator Nicks is pictured with leaders of the Uniondale Fire Department (Chief George Martinez, upper left) and the Westbury Fire Department.
“As a volunteer firefighter with the Uniondale Fire Department for the last 14 years, I know there is a special code of honor that brings us together – and when our neighbors are in distress, we respond by extending our hand with a spirit of service and solidarity,” Legislator Nicks said. “It was a privilege to welcome the men and women of Nassau County’s volunteer fire departments to the Legislature and commend them for their courageous commitment to keeping all of us safe.”

PHOTO CREDITS – Photos courtesy Peter M. Budraitis