Sitting with me in the firehouse is Konica Devasser. Konica has dedicated a decade of her life to the Uniondale fire department, serving on the rescue and EMT team as part of emergency company number 1. As the former chairwoman for disaster preparedness, she has honed her skills in crisis response and community readiness. With years of experience, Konica exemplifies the very meaning of dedication and bravery in service. She has led her team through countless challenging situations, always prioritizing the safety of his community. Beyond emergency responses she is always well-prepared for potential risks.

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Paul Wilders. Paul Wilders is a 40 +-year veteran of the fire service and currently the Chief Instructor of the Nassau County, NY, Fire Service Academy. He is the former Chief of the North Merrick, NY, Fire Department and a senior member of that department's training committee. Wilders is an instructor of national curriculum for the Incident Safety Officers and an advocate for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation's Courage to Be Safe program. Chief Wilders has been employed by the Nassau County Fire Service Academy Public education division and division of fire training since 1999.

Sitting with me in the fire house is Josiyah Green. Chief Josiyah Green, of the Inwood Fire Department, exemplifies dedication and bravery in service. With years of experience, he has led his team through numerous challenging situations, always prioritizing the safety of his community. Known for his calm demeanor under pressure and his commitment to mentoring younger firefighters, Chief Green has earned the respect and admiration of both his peers and the residents he serves. His leadership extends beyond emergency responses, as he actively engages in community outreach and fire safety education, ensuring that Inwood is not only protected but also well-prepared for potential risks.

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Dominic Russo. Dominic Russo's lifelong passion for firefighting began at just 3 years old, when he started accompanying his uncle to the fire station. From watching the "road runners" race at drills to helping with truck maintenance, Dominic was hooked. This early exposure led him to join his local junior fire department at age 14, where he honed his skills and rose through the ranks.

Now a seasoned veteran, Dominic has served as a firefighter, EMT, and hazmat technician for over 20 years. He's held numerous leadership positions, including Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain, and is currently the Chief of Department. Dominic is also an active member of the Brookhaven Town Drill Team Captains Association, where he puts his expertise to use training the next generation of firefighters. When he's not responding to emergencies, Dominic works as a Construction Equipment Operator for the Town of Islip and as a Fire and EMS Dispatcher. With his unwavering dedication and impressive accomplishments, Dominic embodies the spirit of the firefighting community.

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Gerard Gagliano. Gerry is a member of Hicksville Fire Department Volunteer Hose Company 4 and EMS Squad. Having originally joined in 1983 as a member of Protection Hook and Ladder Co. 1. He is an Ex-Captain of the Rescue Squad, and past member of the Department Hazardous Materials Response Team, and also was a member of the Hicks Drill Team from 1985 to 1993. Gerry became an EMT in 1984 and an EMT-CC in 1985, and is currently an EMT still. Gerry has also had a 34 year career as a dispatcher, first working full time for the Westbury Fire District in 1985 where he was a Supervisor the last two years. In 1993 he was hired by Nassau County Firecom where he worked until he retired in 2019. The last 10 years at Firecom Gerry was a Supervisor and has also worked several part time dispatcher jobs during the years at Hicksville (14 years) and brief stays at Syosset and Jericho as well.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Chris Stafford. Inspired by his firefighter father, Chris Stafford has dedicated over 15 years to serving his community as a volunteer firefighter. As a former Captain of the Truck Company at the East Meadow Fire Department, Chris responded to countless emergency calls, including a memorable mutual aid fire where his expertise proved invaluable. Now a Fire Prevention Officer and Safety Officer for the Uniondale Fire Department, Chris is passionate about educating the public about the true nature of firefighting. With a focus on innovative equipment and strong team camaraderie, Chris’s wealth of hands-on experience makes him a trusted leader in the field.

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Willie Geddish. From chasing fire trucks on his bike as a child to becoming a respected partner at a national law firm, Willie has always had a deep connection to the fire service. Growing up across the street from the fire department, he would spend his youth hanging out with the firefighters and attending drills. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion, leading him to join the department at just 18 years old.

Over the next 12 years, he climbed the ranks from lieutenant to assistant chief, bringing his unique legal expertise to the department. As the head of the investigation committee, he oversees the recruitment and retention of new members, ensuring the continued strength of the team, leads fire prevention efforts and serves as a key liaison between the department and the community.

While his day job may be in the corporate world, his true calling is on the fireground. He thrives on the camaraderie and immediacy of the fire service. With a deep appreciation for the honest, team-oriented culture, Willie finds the work a refreshing contrast to the desk-bound life of a lawyer.

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Edwin Wilmarth, III. Edwin Wilmarth, III joined the Broad Channel Fire Department as a Junior August 11th, 1993 and was voted in to the main department April 9th, 1998. FF Engines 201 and 203 1998-2001. Lieutenant Engine 203 2002-2006. Captain Engine 203 2007-2011. Assistant Chief 2012 & 2013. Chief of Dept. 2014. He has also held Corporation Officer positions over the years, Sgt. at Arms and Vice President.

He is currently an appointed Deputy Chief assigned to Fire Operations just to help guide the current chiefs, review and revise SOPs and help train the current FFs and Bosses. Most of the time he is in the Chauffeurs seat of the engine but will also act as IC in the absence of the other Chiefs, ride the front seat in the absence of a boss or ride the back step as one of the boys. He is always willing to fill whatever empty seat as needed.

Edwin was awarded the Firefighter of the Year award 2x. Throughout his career he was also fortunate enough to be on some great crews on some bad calls that resulted in being awarded 6 unit citations over the years as well as an honorable life save and a medal for bravery.

From 9/11 to the Crash of United Airlines Flight 587 to Hurricane Sandy, he has been lucky enough (depending on how you look at it) to be on the front lines with others at many of the departments “Big Ones” over the years.

He’s done a few sit down interviews over the years with various outlets like CBS as well as the Gettin Salty podcast. Edwin also runs his own FB group dedicated to the history of all the current and former NYC Volunteer Fire and EMS Companies; Facebook.com: A Pictorial History of Volunteer Fire & EMS Companies in New York City.

Additionally, he is his departments historian as well the historian for the Volunteer Firemen’s Association of the City of New York which represents the 9 current NYC Vollie Fire companies and an admin for their FB page and website. www.vfanyc.org