by Carolyn James

Thomas McCarthy

Two men are running for a seat on the Board of Commissioners in the Massapequa Fire District in a vote scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 9th. Seeking his third, five year term is Thomas McCarthy. He is opposed by James Montario.

The voting takes place between 2 and 9 p.m. at all three firehouses: Hicksville Road; Front Street and East End Firehouse.

Both men have been members of the deparment for many years and both said they want to work to ensure the safety of the public and the firefighters.

McCarthy is a resident of Massapequa since 1950. He has been with the department for 33 years and served as a Lieutenant and Captain of Engine Company 4, before being elected to the Board ten years ago.

James Montario

During his tenure, the board has renovated all three firehouses and brought them up to date. "I am especially proud that both the east end and the west end are now handicapped accessible with elevators," said McCarthy.

Montario is a lifelong resident of Massapequa. He has served with the department for 29 years. During that time he served as Captain of Engine Company #1; President of the Massapequa Benevolent Association and Exempt Association. He is a certified Emergency Medical Technician. When not serving the department he is active as a coach with the Massapequa Internation-al little League and the Massapequa Mustangs. He is a retired Police officer.

"Right now we pay some of the lowest fire protection taxes in the county and I’d like to keep it that way," said Montario, adding that he also believes it is important to provide the best equipment for the department’s volunteers and fire protection for residents. "I think we can do all that and I have some fresh ideas I can bring to the board and incorporate in with what they are currently doing," said Montario.

Specifically, Montario said he’d like to see the department’s standard operating procedures enhanced to provide more anti-terrorism training.

"As we have seen since 9/11, things have changed and in the fire service there has to be more of an emphasis on safety for the members," he said. "We have to look at the we way we go about entering a building and fighting fires."

That, he said, is particularly important since the department covers the Sunrise Mall, a large expanse of buildings and people, and an abortion clinic, which could be the target of terrorism.

"We have had training in weapons of mass destruction but I think we have to take that and apply it to our suburban setting," he said.

McCarthy believes the current Board is strong and works well with the various components in the department. With many issues facing the district, he said he does not believe that now is the time to bring people on the Board with no experience.

The department faces some challenges. While it is prepared to purchase the latest equipment for its volunteers, it is often difficult for the members to schedule the hours of new training that is required under state and federal standards. And, the department is one of the busiest in Nassau County, responding to approximately 2,400 calls year, 1,600 of which are for rescue.

"We have very dedicated and committed volunteers who devote a lot of time to their community," said McCarthy. "But it is not easy."

One thing that has helped attract and retain members is the state’s service award programs, which provides financial incentives to members upon retirement from the department. "That has helped," said McCarthy."

"And I think we could use some new ideas to help an already well run and well equipped fire district," said Montario.

The Fire Commissioners are volunteers and receive no financial compensation for their service. The Massapequa Fire Department serves approximately, 60,000 residents and has an operating budget of 4.4 million.

NORTH MASSAPEQUA

Running unopposed for his fifth, 5-year term is Comissioner Frank Nocerino. Nocerino also serves as President of the organization representing the Fire Departments of the State of New York.