I first joined in 2019 as part of the Junior program, and I became a full member in 2023. I was really born into the fire service, my dad has been a member, so it has always been something I grew up around and wanted to be a part of.

Today, I serve as a Firefighter and EMT, and I also had the honor of being Captain of the Juniors. I’m proud of the path I’ve taken so far, and my goal moving forward is to continue growing in EMS and hopefully become a paramedic one day.

One of my favorite parts of being a member of Selden is that everyone here is truly family. From the moment you join, you realize how much people care about one another, and how willing everyone is to go the extra mile, not just for the members, but for the community as well.

Some of my favorite memories at the firehouse are the snow standbys. There’s something about being together during those long shifts that really reminds you how close this department is and how much teamwork matters.

Becoming an EMT is one of the skills I’m most proud of. Honestly, it was also one of the most challenging parts of my training, but it was worth every bit of effort. If I could give advice to someone nervous about training, I’d say this: it’s not the destination, it’s the journey. The hardest part is signing up and showing up for your first day. It might be rocky, but you just have to trust yourself and keep going.
Serving the Selden community means being there for a stranger in their time of need. One of the proudest feelings is hearing a simple thank you from someone you helped, whether the call was big or small. Helping others has had a huge impact on my life, it’s almost like healing a part of me I didn’t even know was broken while helping someone else.

To anyone thinking about joining, I always say: do it. There’s a job here for everyone, and you can learn so much, whether it’s EMS, firefighting, or something else entirely. Right now is a great time to join because, unfortunately, there is a volunteer shortage, and we need people who want to step up and make a difference.

Outside of the fire department, I work as an EMT for Southampton Ambulance Company, Exchange Ambulance of Islip, and also serve as a disaster relief EMT. I’ve been doing this work for about three years now, and I love it because every day is something new. It’s not a boring desk job, you’re constantly learning new skills and adapting to new situations.

When I’m not at the firehouse or working, I enjoy playing sports and studying. Life stays busy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
At the end of the day, being a member of the Selden Fire Department means I’m doing something bigger than myself. The drive to get up and respond at 1 a.m., not knowing what you’re heading into, is unmatched by anything else.