Town honors Island Park firefighters

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the Town Board honored local volunteer firefighters at a special ceremony held on Oct. 20. Twenty-four individuals were honored with Town of Hempstead Firematic Awards for their courage and dedication to protecting local communities, including two from Island Park.

“We are proud to honor this group of firefighters and emergency medical technicians for outstanding service to their departments and to the communities they serve,” Murray said. “These first responders make significant sacrifices, and volunteer their personal time to protect the safety of their neighbors.”

Some of this year’s recipients were honored for heroic rescues and courageous deeds performed during the normal course of their day. Others were saluted for decades of service and the continued dedication to their departments and their communities.

“Day and night, firefighters and EMT’s are ready and willing to answer the call,” Murray said. “Their bravery and volunteerism help make our communities safe and pleasant places to call home.”

Honorary Chief John Segreto and Ex Chief Frank Tammaro of the Island Park Fire Department were honored at the ceremony.

Fifty years of service is quite the milestone. Segreto and Tammaro not only eclipsed that feat for the Island Park Fire Department, but they remain as active today as the day they signed up as members.

Each a model of performance, Segreto and Tammaro respond to calls and partake in department functions, duties and activities. Segreto, an honorary chief, serves as member of the department’s fire police.

Tammaro is eligible for the rank of honorary chief. He has contributed to the department in a variety of ways throughout his long tenure.