Town of Hempstead honors Island Park Fire Department members

Town of Hempstead officials recognized Island Park firefighters last week at its Drive-Thru Firematic Awards Ceremony, honoring the bravery and heroism of the community’s firefighters, EMTs and other first responders.

Honorees from Island Park and several other fire departments in the Town of Hempstead were driven to the stage in their department’s fire trucks and presented with Town of Hempstead Firematic Awards to a chorus of cheers, horns and sirens coming from fire trucks and vehicles filled with family and friends who looked on during the safe and socially distanced drive-in ceremony.

From responding to Covid-19 calls, to a daring marine rescue after a horrific boat crash and even reviving overdose victims as far away as Pennsylvania, there was no shortage of heroic stories told during the event.

The Island Park honorees were Chief Frank Eye, Second Assistant Chief Donny Cardineau, EMT Ryan Michelman, First Assistant Chief John Briguglio, EMT Andrew Treglia, Third Assistant Chief Michael Whalen and Firefighter Russell Waters, along with Town of Hempstead EMS workers Parademic Christopher Bossart, AEMT Kayla Keenan and AEMT Joshua Prisamt. These heroic men and women were called to a scene where a 44-year-old man had overdosed on heroin. The team worked to establish an airway and an IV in his arm and hand to administer the lifesaving overdose drug, Narcan. The victim was transported to a local hospital, where he became alert and was able to breathe on his own.

“The Covid-19 pandemic has forced the postponement and cancellation of certain town programs and events, but we knew we needed to find a way to recognize the firefighters, EMTs and emergency personnel who have gone above and beyond for our community during these difficult times,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said. “The Town of Hempstead is proud to host this first-in-the-nation Drive Thru Firematic Awards Ceremony to salute our township’s first responders in a safe, responsible yet exciting manner.”

Courtesy Town of Hempstead; compiled by Briana Bonfiglio.