An important hospital visit for EMFD members

Phyllis Sperr, Diane Tronolone and Tommy Callan are accustomed to visiting the Nassau University Medical Center — in their roles as emergency responders for the East Meadow Fire Department. 

But a trip last week to the hospital was extra special for the group, and the other volunteers who accompanied them on Dec. 15. 

“They are here on a regular basis,” said Ex-Chief Jim Darcey. “It’s really important to them.”

The EMFD volunteers met in the lobby of the NUMC, and made their way up to the Pediatric Unit on the 18th floor. Playing the role of Santa Claus, Ex-Chief Nelson Finkelman handed out gifts to the children, with help from his elves — Sperr, Tronolone, Callan, Darcey and fellow volunteers Howie Bartone, Chris Baumann and Tom Rinckey.  They also made visits to the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Unit and to patients in the intensive care and emergency units. 

Presents were donated through funds raised by the Jimmy Martino Toy Drive. The tradition began in 1996, when member Scott Farber (now a commissioner), was hospitalized for a serious injury. 

For the past 14 years, Sperr, playing the role of head elf, uses the funds to shop for toys to give to the children. 

“It’s a good feeling to help the kids, especially during Christmas time,” Sperr said. “It’s not fun to be here.”

The visitors were well received by patients. 

“Everyone has been so nice,” said Stacey Credendino, whose daughter Corinne, a Hofstra student, is being treated for an illness in the pediatric center. “They are really getting us through the day.”