By Jennifer La Lima
Fire commissioners play a vital role in protecting local homes and businesses. They are responsible for crafting fire department budgets that provide adequate operating funds, but which respect taxpayers' concerns. Commissioners also make sure that fire and emergency medical volunteers are properly insured.
The commissioner-elect must be skilled in budget and personnel management, and knowledgeable about fire and EMS technology. Fire commissioner candidates do not necessarily have to be firefighters; the position is open to the public.
John Podolski
Incumbent John Podolski has served as a Bellmore fire commissioner for 15 years. An active member of Engine Company 2 for 17 years, Podolski was company president and is currently the financial secretary, a post he has held for 12 years. He and his wife, Lucia, have lived in Bellmore for 33 years, where they have raised three children, Jay, Mathew and Jill.
Podolski is a member of the Bellmore Exempt Fireman's Benevolent Association, the Association of Fire Districts of New York State, the Association of Fire Districts of Nassau County, the National Fire Protection Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, and is a past chairman and member of the Four Towns Training Committee.
He values his involvement in these organizations as a way of keeping abreast of firefighting concerns. Equally important to Podolski are the opinions and concerns of Bellmore firefighters and the community. He is a strong believer that residents provide true perspective of what is happening locally, and what is needed in the field.
Podolski said he considers serving as a Bellmore fire commissioner "a privilege."
"I would like to assure the residents of Bellmore that they can expect continued high standards of the fire and rescue service that they have come to know in this fire district," he said. "I have demonstrated to the firefighters and the community of Bellmore my dedication to their safety, fiscal responsibility, and the desire to investigate and implement ways of improving an already exemplary fire department."
John Scalesi
John Scalesi, a Bellmore resident for 32 years, is a committed, active community member. He enjoys helping others, and hopes to further serve Bellmore as a fire commissioner.
A firefighter for 24 years, Scalesi was commended as Newsday's Firefighter of the Year in 1991 for his volunteer work in the community. He has also received town and county firefighting awards. He is currently president of the Kiwanis Club of the Bellmores, the Firemen's Association of the State of New York, the Nassau County Firemen's association and the Drill Team Captain's Association. He is also a past president of the Bellmore Lions Club.
In March, Scalesi was honored with a Commissioner's Award by the Nassau County Police Department for assisting in the arrest of two individuals wanted for bank robberies. He retired from the Nassau Sheriff's Department in 1994.
A member of Nassau County's Regional EMS Council, Scalesi is the EMS captain. He is a New York state fire instructor and a Red Cross EMS instructor. He specializes in first aid, fire safety and CPR. He also acts as adviser of the Mepham High School Key Club, where for six years he has helped organize blood drives and community fund-raisers.
Scalesi said, "My hope is that as fire commissioner, I can be more accessible to the pubic. I am interested in getting more grants for emergency equipment. I want to serve my community in a better capacity."
When and where to vote
Voting in the Bellmore fire election will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bellmore Fire Headquarters, 230 Petit Ave. Voters must be registered in the state and live in the fire district.
