Thursday, October 1, 2026
After a devastating early-morning fire left one man critically injured and about 40 residents displaced, civic organizations in Freeport quickly mobilized to provide relief to the victims.
The blaze broke out at 5:47 a.m. on Oct. 23 in a three-story apartment building at 1 Jay St., near the corner of Grand Avenue and North Main Street. The Freeport Fire Department received multiple 911 calls reporting smoke in the area. Within minutes, Engine 216 arrived to find flames inside the building.
Ex-Chief Joseph Sotira notified dispatch that there was a working fire, and occupants potentially trapped inside. Firefighter Stephen Palermo, of Truck Company No. 1, vented a window and made his way into the smoke-filled apartment, where he discovered an unconscious man in the bathroom. With help from fellow firefighters, he brought the victim outside, where Northwell EMS began treating him before rushing him to Nassau University Medical Center in critical condition.
Officials said no that smoke alarms were heard or located in the building. Crews quickly contained the fire to the apartment where it began. Several neighboring departments offered mutual aid, and the response was directed by Chief Anthony Sotira.
Mayor Robert Kennedy praised Palermo’s actions, calling them “heroic” and commending the volunteers for their courage and professionalism. “Their immediate response and the heroic actions of Firefighter Palermo is testimony to the dedication of the volunteers of our great Freeport Fire Department,” Kennedy said in a statement.
The American Red Cross was called to assist the displaced residents, and with help from the Freeport Housing Authority, temporary shelter was arranged at 100 North Main St.
The relief response was spearheaded by Kerry Gillick-Goldberg, a longtime community advocate and founder of the nonprofit Baby Essentials of Long Island. Working closely with members of the Freeport-Merrick Rotary and social worker Kelly Ureña of the Freeport School District, Gillick-Goldberg coordinated a rapid effort to collect and distribute supplies to families affected by the fire. The group secured more than $1,000 worth of essentials — from T-shirts and sweatpants to toiletries.
Understanding that disaster relief goes beyond material goods, Gillick-Goldberg emphasized preserving the displace families’ dignity. “There’s nothing worse than giving someone a garbage bag to carry their belongings,” she said. Instead, the team purchased large handbags for the parents to use.
Freeport High School coordinated the distribution of donations, with staff and students helping to organize items for delivery to the displaced families, many of whom had children enrolled in the district.
“At Freeport High School, we believe our greatest strength is our community,” Ureña wrote in an email statement. “We come together in times of need and lift one another up.
“The recent fire that impacted several of our families has reminded us of the deep compassion and resilience that define Freeport,” she added. “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club of Freeport/Merrick, Baby Essentials of Long Island, and Soul Purpose for their generous support and partnership in helping our families rebuild. Their kindness and swift outreach reflect the very best of what it means to be part of this caring community. Together, we remain committed to ensuring that every student and family feels seen, supported, and surrounded by love.”
On Thursday morning, the day of the fire, Gillick-Goldberg’s car was so packed with supplies — including a last-minute donation of diapers from the Allied Diaper Bank — that she recalled the challenge of fitting everything inside as something of a comic struggle.
“Our most important vision was just making sure people had items that were clean and new,” she said.
The investigation into the fire continues, as do recovery efforts. For those who lost their homes and possessions, the outpouring of local support provided more than just supplies — it offered stability, dignity and hope amid hardship.
