Two are saved from West Hempstead fire

Jimmy Carver, president of the Police Benevolent Association, far left, congratulated 5th Precinct officers, Luis Ascenscio, James Schuerlein and Eban Marro, who helped rescue two people from a burning building in West Hempstad last Friday.

Bill Kelly

Chief Peter Lillie from the West Hempstead Fire Department was interviewed by News 12.

Bill Kelly

he fire completely destroyed the furniture store and an income tax preparation center next door to it.

Bill Kelly

Bill Kelly

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Over 100 firemen from more than 10 different departments responded to a fire on Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead last Friday morning, where two Nassau police officers rescued two residents from a fire that completely destroyed two stores and damaged fourteen apartments.

Chief Peter Lillie of the West Hempstead Fire Department said his department was met with heavy fire when they arrived at the scene shortly after being notified at 10:44 a.m. “Several residents were still trapped by the smoke and flames and were hanging out the windows,” said Lillie. “Nassau County Police and some firemen were able to rescue those residents,” he said. The two residents, who were from different apartments were transported to the hospital, and many others were treated at the scene, Lillie said.

The Herald learned that the four officers involved in the save were Officers James Schuerlein, Luis Ascencio and Eban Marro and Jason Dennington. The four were honored in a ceremony last Monday afternoon in Mineola.

The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Nassau County Fire Marshall.

Destroyed businesses included Majestric Decorator and Upholstery, located at 104 Hempstead Turnpike and its neighbor, an Income Tax business, at number 102.

In addition to the West Hempstead Fire Department, other departments invovled included Lakeview, Malverne, Elmont, Franklin Square, Hempstead, South Hempstead, New Hyde Park, Lynbrook, Valley Stream and Uniondale.