The annual recognition, called the Firematic Awards, went to three local heroes: Howie Loughery of Elmont, David Blumenstetter of Franklin Square and the late Robert DeAngelis of West Hempstead.
"Our firefighters and emergency service personnel are willing to risk their lives every time they respond to an alarm," said Guardino. "We are proud to have this opportunity to recognize their efforts."
Howie Loughery
Elmont F.D.
Howie Loughery became a member of Truck Company #2 in the Elmont Fire Department in 1938 and will be celebrating his 65th year of active service on January 1. To this day, he still responds to alarms as a member of the Fire Police Unit. Howie is an active member of various organizations and committees within the department. For the past 40 years, Howie has served as Truck Company #2 Treasurer.
"During his entire 65-year career in the fire service," said Guardino, "Howie Loughery has been an asset to both the Elmont Fire Department and the community."
David Blumenstetter
Franklin Square and Munson F.D.
On July 5, 2001, the Franklin Square and the Munson Fire Department responded to a call regarding a sick female in West Hempstead. Within minutes, a crew led by EMT-Firefighter David Blumenstetter arrived at the scene.
Blumenstetter quickly began to assess the patient and learned that she intentionally ingested a highly-caustic substance. During the rescue, Blumenstetter and the crew were faced with many obstacles, including imminent respiratory arrest and second-degree chemical burns over 25 percent of the patients' face and body, along with contamination by a caustic chemical.
Within minutes, the crew removed the patient to the ambulance having stopped the chemical burning process while protecting and maintaining a passable airway. The crew was met by an ALS unit and quickly and efficiently transported the patient to Winthrop Hospital where she made a complete recovery.
"Blumenstetter found himself in a difficult situation, adapted to the circumstances at hand and overcame several obstacles. He displayed a unique level of professionalism, compassion and expertise, said Guardino. "The Town of Hempstead is indeed fortunate to have a volunteer with such a high degree of skill and dedication."
Robert DeAngelis
Lakeview F.D.
Robert DeAngelis, a 28-year member of the Lakeview Fire Department, lost his life on September 11 during the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. Robert worked on the 91st floor of Number 2 World Trade Center as a purchasing agent for Washington Group International and he also served as his floor's fire warden. When his floor was evacuated after Number 1 World Trade Center was hit, DeAngelis remained behind to ensured that everyone was out. While answering phones to assure frantic family members that his office colleagues had left the building safety, Number 2 World Trade Center was struck and Robert DeAngelis, a true hero, lost his life.
Ex-Chief DeAngelis was a lifelong resident of West Hempstead, devoting much of his life to community service and safety education. During his tenure with the fire department, he served as Chief of the Department in 1983 and he was Department President for more than 10 years.
In addition to his volunteer fire department activities, DeAngelis was a CPR Instructor and a Fire Safety Instructor in the Public Education Division of the Nassau County Fire Service Academy.
"For his long-standing service with the Lakeview Fire Department and his selfless courage displayed on September 11," said Guardino, "The Town Of Hempstead proudly presents a posthumous Firematic Award honoring Robert DeAngelis." The medal was given to Robert's widow, Denise DeAngelis.
