Senator Elaine Phillips Honors 8th Battalion Local First Responders

Senator Elaine Phillips recently honored members of several local fire departments within the 8th Battalion as part of her series of First Responders Appreciation Nights throughout the 7th District.  Honorees were members of the Manhasset Lakeville Fire Department, Albertson Fire Department, East Williston Fire Department, Great Neck Alert Fire Department, Great Neck Vigilant Fire Department, Williston Park Fire Department, Plandome Fire Department and Port Washington Fire Department.

 “Everyday, fire and EMS personnel take tremendous risks to keep our community safe and secure,” Senator Elaine Phillips said. “I cannot thank these brave men and women enough as their heroism and courage is unparalleled, and the time and effort they spend protecting us is truly commendable.”

Senator Phillips recognized the following individuals:

Albertson Fire Department

Captain Robert Seidman has been a member of the Albertson Fire Department since 2013 and has distinguished himself in an exemplary manner as a leader among his peers. Robert has dedicated his life in the service of others and is employed full time with the Port Washington Fire Department where he serves as an Emergency Medical Technician.  

William Clark III, a firefighter and EMT with the Albertson Fire Department, joined the department in June 2015. He is responsible for the resurrection of the Albertson Slo-pokes drill team.

Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department

Captain Robert Stern joined the Ambulance Unit in 2010 and became an EMT in 2011. He advanced to EMT-Critical Care in 2013, responding to more than 2,000 calls in his tenure. In 2013, he became Second Lieutenant, and then First Lieutenant in 2015 and, in 2017, Captain.

Brian Carratu joined the fire department in September 2016, and in his first year, he maintained the highest response for Company 2. He was recently certified as a New York State EMT and is always been willing to help the community with no expectation of anything in return.

East Williston Fire Department

Lieutenant Kevin O’Donnell joined the department in March 2009 and was named Firefighter of the Year in 2016 for his dedicated service and devotion.

Ex-Chief Nicholas Siciliano joined the department in 1969 and served as the Chief of the Department from 1982 to 1984 and as a Commissioner from 1990 to 2005. He also served as President of the North Shore Fire Council and was President of the 8th Battalion Past Chiefs Association. Nick also previously served as President of the Nassau County Firefighters Holy Name Society. Nick has been an active member of the E.W.F.D. for 48 years.

Great Neck Alert Fire Department

Kevin Campbell has served in the department for 25 years and is a New York City Police Officer. Over the years, he has given his heart on soul to the communities he serves.

Roger Beltran is an Interior Fire Fighter serving this community just under five years. His sense of pride was noticeable from his first day at the firehouse. He is dependable, hardworking, and always ready to help.

Roland Eshaghoff is an Interior Fire Fighter serving this community for the last five years. Roland takes charge by doing the groundwork that makes it possible for the rest of the team to put out fires.  He is consistent on his work ethic, which is matched by his big heart.

Great Neck Vigilant Fire Department

Ex-Chief Fred Sager joined the Company in December 1978. He became a Lieutenant in December 1983, Chief of Department in December 1993, President in May 1999, and a Trustee in September of 2009. He has won a Medal of Valor for his part in rescuing a civilian in 1987, is a two-time recipient of Firefighter of the Year, and has won four EMS awards.

Kimberly Molina, an EMT, joined the Company in August 2008. She became our Recording Secretary in December 2009, a position she continues to hold. She is the recipient of one EMS award.

Plandome Fire Department

Jonathan Colello joined the Plandome Fire Department in January 2013 and immediately became one of our most active members. .  In the spring of 2016, after only three years in the Department Jon was elected an officer (2nd Lieutenant).  He has become one of the primary training officers for the department, combining his skills as a natural leader and teacher to his firematic training. 

Williston Park Fire Department

Kristine Afonso, who joined the department in 2010 and is an EMT, rose through the ranks and is currently serving as Captain of the ERS squad.

James F. Duggan joined the department in 2004 and is currently serving as Captain of Engine Company 1.  He previously served as a member in the Garden City Park Fire Department for 18 years attaining the rank of Chief of Department.

Port Washington Fire Department

Rita Shaver joined Fire Medic Company #1 in January of 2015 and has been a vital member of the team ever since. She came to the Port Washington Fire Department as an EMT anda is also an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the Nassau County Medical Reserve Corps.

John O’ Reilly joined the Port Washington Fire Department on April 4th, 1978. John was previously a member of the Plandome Fire Department from 1971 to 1978. He joined the Protection Engine Company and by 1980 was already elected as an officer. He rose through the company ranks from 3rd assistant engineer all the way to captain where he led Protection Eng Co from 1989 to 1990.  In 1991, John O'Reilly was elected 2nd Assistant chief of the PWFD. He was chief of department from 1995-1997.