From Lynbrook FD, with love

Pictured from from last year’s trip is Marine Marcus Dandrea and his family with members of the LFD.

Courtesy Steve Grogan

The holidays are a time for giving, especially to those who are most deserving, like wounded combat veterans who have recently returned home after serving their country. To show their appreciation the Lynbrook Fire Department will make its annual trip to Bethesda, Md. to hand out gifts and holiday cards to veterans at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

Between seven and nine Lynbrook firefighters will make the trip south on Dec. 6 as part of Nassau County Firefighters-Operation Wounded Warriors program. According to Ex-captain Steve Grogan, the LFD raised about $20,000 this year for NCFF-OWW through various events, including a benefit concert and softball games. There are 41 Nassau County fire departments affiliated with NCFF-OWW that have raised money for the cause.

Prior to the trip next week, the LFD is asking community members to write cards to the wounded veterans that will then be hand-delivered to them. Grogan said the department would have a table set up at the Winter Celebration on Atlantic Avenue on Dec. 1 for people to submit cards. Those who cannot attend the Winter Celebration can drop off cards at Lynbrook Village Hall by Dec. 4.

This will mark the third trip to Bethesda for the LFD and the fifth year it has been involved with NCFF-OWW. Grogan said the veterans are always appreciative to see them.

“They’re somewhat shocked and surprised that firefighters from Long Island are traveling that great distance to wish them a merry Christmas and present them with a present or card from someone from Long Island,” he said.