Sitting with me in the Firehouse is William Rodriguez. A lifelong champion of his Uniondale community, William A. Rodriguez has dedicated himself to making a difference. After graduating from Uniondale High School in 2013, he quickly rose through the ranks, transitioning from a cashier at Dollar Tree to a Community Coordinator for the Queens District Attorney's Office. But William's commitment to public service didn't stop there - in 2017, he became a volunteer firefighter, discovering that the true heart of the fire department lies in its sense of family and legacy. Through his unwavering dedication, William continues to leave an indelible mark, inspiring those around him with his passion for helping others.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Brianna Torres. Brianna has been saving lives for over a decade as a dedicated EMT. For the past 9 years, she has served her community through her work with the Mineola Volunteer Ambulance Corps (MVAC), where she currently holds the role of President. In this position, Brianna leverages her social media skills to keep the community informed and engaged. When she's not responding to 911 calls, you can find Brianna sharing her passion for emergency services on her personal Instagram @briannamarie823.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Malechi Whethers. At just 13 years old, Malechi is already making a name for himself as a junior firefighter with the Hempstead Fire Department. Despite his young age, Malechi's passion for the fire service ignited at an early age, as he was captivated by the sight of fire trucks rushing through his neighborhood. Now, after joining the junior program at age 12, Malechi is well on his way to a promising career in firefighting, with the full support of his family who prioritize his safety above all else.

Sitting with me in The Firehouse is Eddie Overton. From the firehouse to the frontlines, Eddie Overton has dedicated his life to serving his community. Appointed as a Fire Alarm Dispatcher with the FDNY in 2005, Overton spent a decade working in the borough of Manhattan, responding to notable incidents like the Cory Lidle Plane Crash. His exemplary work earned him a promotion to Supervising Fire Alarm Dispatcher in 2019, where he covered the city during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now based in Queens, Overton continues to lead with distinction.

Overton's commitment to public service runs deep - it's a family legacy. As a teenager, he joined the Uniondale Junior Fire Department, rising through the ranks to Lieutenant and Captain. His heroic actions were recognized with citations from the county and town, including a rescue of a wheelchair-bound civilian. Overton's volunteer work continued as a member of the Brookside Engine Company for nearly two decades. Most recently, he joined the Excelsior Hook & Ladder Company #1 of the Freeport Fire Department, carrying on his family's proud tradition of service.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Jeff Montano. Driven by a passion for public service, Jeff Montano answered the call to become a firefighter at just 18 years old. Over the next decade, he demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his training and duties, quickly earning EMT and chauffeur certifications. Montano's relentless pursuit of professional development soon paid off, as he was appointed secretary in 2019, honing his leadership skills and laying the groundwork for advancement. By 2024, at the young age of 29, Montano's hard work and dedication were recognized with a promotion to Captain of Brookside Engine Company 2 – a true testament to his excellence. Throughout his journey, Montano has been guided and supported by the tight-knit community of firefighters he now considers family.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Steve Lampert. Steve Lampert has dedicated the past three decades to protecting his community as a firefighter. Following in his father and uncle's footsteps, Lampert currently serves as 2nd Lieutenant of Engine Company 1 in the Mineola Fire Department, drawing on over 30 years of experience in the fire service. Prior to his current role, Lampert spent 22 years as an EMT, serving communities across New York City and beyond. A true believer in the power of volunteer service, Lampert continues to find fulfillment in his work and looks forward to many more years of safeguarding his neighbors.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Christopher Burkart. Christopher has dedicated over 15 years to serving his community as a member of the Freeport Fire Department. As the 2nd Assistant Chief, Burkart is a respected leader who oversees the operations of the Everready Hose 1 unit. But his passion for firefighting extends beyond his official duties - Burkart is a super fan of Brookside Engine 2, with a particular fondness for the rig affectionately known as "Big Russ." With his wealth of experience and unwavering commitment to public safety, Burkart continues to be an invaluable asset to the Freeport Fire Department.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Kenny Gass. A lifelong servant of his community, Kenny Gass has dedicated over 27 years to the Westbury Fire Department, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. After graduating from Carle Place High School and earning an associate degree in Business Administration from Nassau Community College, Gass joined Hose Company No. 1 in 1997. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as instructor, lieutenant, captain, and assistant chief before being elected Chief of Department, a position he held for 6 years.

Gass's commitment to public service extends beyond the fire department. In 2003, he was sworn into the FDNY, graduating the academy and serving at Engine 309 in Brooklyn. He later transitioned to law enforcement, attending the Westchester Police Academy and joining the Old Westbury Police Department, where he was recently promoted to Sergeant. Gass also serves as the Police Department's Training Sergeant and as a 2nd Deputy Chief Instructor at the Nassau County Fire Academy.

Gass's lifelong dedication to his community was recognized in 2019 when he was elected to the Carle Place Water Commission. Despite a serious injury in 2024 that left him with burns over 15% of his body, Gass has continued to tirelessly serve the people of Long Island through his roles in fire, police, and local government.