Bellissimo unopposed in Seaford

Silvio Bellissimo is running unopposed for a third consecutive term on the Seaford Board of Fire Commissioners. He also served on the board for three years in the 1990s.

Bellissimo, a lifelong resident of the community and Seaford High School graduate, joined the Fire Department when he was 18, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers. He rose through the ranks and became chief before being elected as a commissioner in 1995.

In 2005, he returned to the board. “I think I bring many years of experience,” he said. “We are taxpayers here. We try to keep the taxes down and at the same time bring the best and most up-to-date equipment.”

Bellissimo said that the board of commissioners is responsible for ensuring that the department provides adequate fire and medical protection to Seaford. “We’re always striving to improve,” he said.

Two years ago, the department purchased a new engine, and the commissioners will soon look to replace the ladder truck. Bellissimo said that keeping the trucks, and all the equipment that goes on them, up to date is important for the safety of both firefighters and residents.

“I think we’re just as up to date as the bigger departments are,” he said. “You could always use more members.”

Bellissimo said in addition to increasing membership, he would like to see more residents come out to the department’s annual fire safety open house each October.

During Bellissimo’s tenure on the board, the Southard Avenue firehouse was expanded to provide more room for trucks, and a recent renovation project modernized the meeting room and kitchen.

Bellissimo said that the biggest role of the commissioners is to set the budget and work with the chief and assistant chiefs to set policies and procedures. The board is involved in most decisions, he said, except for those that occur at emergency scenes. His cousin, Michael Bellissimo, is second assistant chief.

Of the five members of the board, three have been the department’s chief, and Bellissimo said that gives them each a valuable perspective. “Definitely experience helps as a commissioner,” he said.

The Seaford Fire Department responds to about 700 calls per year, and nearly two-thirds are for rescue calls.

Bellissimo is presently serving as the chairman of the board of commissioners. The position rotates among the five members, and the commissioner who is up for election in a particular year typically serves as the board’s leader.

The election will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the firehouse, 2170 Southard Ave.