Member Spotlight: Ex-Chief John Bartnik

I joined the Selden Fire Department on July 2, 1990. My inspiration to join came the year before. Around Easter in 1989, my grandfather became sick, and my family called Selden FD for an ambulance. The professionalism of the crew that responded left a huge impression on me, and from that moment on, I knew I wanted to be part of this department.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving in many roles within the department. I served as Lieutenant and Captain of Dixon Engine Company No. 3, and I held every position within the Chief’s Office, eventually serving as Chief of the Department. Looking ahead, my next goal is to continue serving the community by becoming part of the Board of Fire Commissioners.

One of the things I value most about the Selden Fire Department is the camaraderie. This department truly becomes a family. Through years of training, responding to calls, and spending time together at social functions, you grow into a unit that relies on one another.

When I first joined, I was surprised by how fast-paced everything became. You quickly get involved in training and learning skills you never imagined you would actually use. One of my earliest memories was only two weeks after joining. The department went to Suffolk County for a Class A fire training. Ex-Captain Dennis Carman grabbed me to do a search inside the burn building. Feeling that kind of heat and dealing with zero visibility so early on was intense, but it gave me confidence that I could do this job.

Another proud moment for me was serving as Chief during our department’s 75th anniversary. Being able to lead and represent such an incredible group of members during that milestone was something I will never forget.

One skill I’m especially proud of learning was overcoming my fear of heights and learning how to properly descend ground ladders. Training throughout the years has always been about improving, finding better ways to do the job, and continuing to learn from one another.

Being part of this department has helped me grow personally as well. I’ve learned patience, the importance of listening before speaking, and not letting the small things get to you. Sometimes the best thing you can do is step back, take a breath, and smile.

Teamwork is everything in this job. Every member has their own skills and specialties on the fireground. From the newest member to the most senior firefighter, we work together, listen, and rely on one another to perform the job safely and effectively. No one can do this alone.
What keeps me motivated after all these years is knowing that someone, on what may be the worst day of their life, is calling for help. Whether the situation is big or small, it is still an emergency to them, and they are looking for someone to be there.

Serving the Selden community means a lot to me. It’s about helping our neighbors, our friends, and the people who live throughout this hamlet, and knowing that we did everything we could to help them.

Outside of the fire department, I work as an Emergency Vehicle Technician, essentially a mechanic specializing in emergency vehicles. I’ve been working with vehicles since 1979, starting my career as a Class A line mechanic working on Isuzu and Honda vehicles. I began my EVT career in 2003 and continue that work today.

When I’m not at the firehouse, I enjoy spending time with my wife, working around the house and yard, camping, going on cruises, beach driving, and sometimes just relaxing on the deck with a good cigar and enjoying the moment.

After more than three decades of service, being a member of the Selden Fire Department means family. There have been many ups and downs through the years, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. In fact, I sometimes joke with my wife that I can’t even remember what life was like before the fire department.