The New Hyde Park Fire District swore in an excited “probie” Allen Thomas, 22, of New Hyde Park at their bi-monthly meeting Tuesday night.
Thomas became an official firefighter of the Rescue Squad after Chairman of the Board of Commissioners Richard Stein swore him in. Thomas was then congratulated and went off to sign paper work and receive his badge and uniform.
Here are some highlights from the meeting:
- Chief John Willers reported that with the leftover grant money from and then State Senator Craig Johnson, which was used to purchase multi-gas meters, he would like to purchase a new thermal imaging camera because the current ones are getting old and need to be replaced on the trucks. These cameras allow firefighters to see areas of heat through smoke, darkness, or heat-permeable barriers. The high price for one of these cameras is slightly over $10,000, but regardless, Stein said, “I’ve had experience with that particular grant and that particular camera and I’m aware that it works very well.” A motion to purchase the camera was granted and currently two of the thermal-imaging cameras are used for Hook and Ladder, one for Protection and the new one will be used for Rescue.
- An approval for new fire hoses was already made, but the board discussed whether or not the hoses would be purchased from different manufacturers for each rig or just one manufacturer. Commissioner John Brown said he would prefer to go with just one manufacturer, but cost was the main issue. “I say we just have to go with the regular hose that they have on now and if we’re going to outfit…then we will outfit one company at a time,” Commissioner John DiVello said. Willers said he didn’t see any issues with this resolution and it would make the most sense to go with one manufacturer instead of going through different companies.
