After spending four years as a member of the Selden Fire Department Junior Company, a youth program that introduces teenagers aged 14-17 to the world of firefighting and EMS, I joined the ranks of the Selden Fire Department in June 2017. Volunteering felt like the perfect way to give back to my neighbors and keep serving the community I grew up in. I’m proud to have served as Captain for Dixon Engine Company 3, where I had the privilege of leading our crew and collaborating with the rest of the department.

What I love most about the firehouse is the family atmosphere. Responding to calls with people who have become close friends is both fun and rewarding. One of my favorite memories so far has been becoming captain and leading not only my company but also working closely with others across the department.

Every day spent here has been an opportunity to learn something new and grow as an individual. Rapid‑intervention training, for example, prepares us to rescue firefighters who are injured or trapped during a fire. These drills focus on helping downed firefighters while staying safe and simulate real‑life scenarios so our reactions at actual emergencies become second nature. They are challenging, but they’ve taught me resilience and leadership. A future goal of mine is to become an EMT. I am excited to continue learning and expand my skills and abilities to serve my community. If you’re new to training, my advice is simple: remember your basics, stay curious, and be willing to learn.

Everything we do revolves around teamwork. No matter what role we have, we all focus on helping the people in need. Each member comes from a different background and offers a different perspective on achieving our goals.

Outside of the Fire Department, I work for the Long Island Rail Road. My time with the Fire Department has allowed me to grow as an individual and a professional in my career. The teambuilding skills that I have learned are applied every day while I perform my duties at work.
Balancing my volunteer role with work and also committing time to family and friends isn’t always easy. Sometimes I miss extra shifts or family events to respond to a call, but the department is flexible when we need it, and my loved ones appreciate the dedication.

For anyone thinking about joining, you don’t need to know everything on day one. All the skills, from firefighting to EMS and fire police work, can be learned. It does take commitment, but the difference you can make in someone’s life and the support you gain from the people around you make it worthwhile.

Being a member of the Selden Fire Department means everything to me. It gives me purpose, a second family, and the chance to help keep my community safe. If you’d like to experience that too, we’re always looking for dedicated people to join our ranks.