2009 has continued to be a very busy year for Mineola Firefighters. To date, Mineola’s bravest have followed through on our commitment to “Drop everything and respond” by answering over 100 Alarms with 47 calls in February alone. On Thursday, February 12th the region was enduring a serious windstorm and MFD answered four alarms for electrical emergencies. Wind also played a factor in a spectacular Garage fire which erupted on Mineola Blvd on February 19th. Upon arrival, Chief Scott Holliday could see this fire over the rooftops as the wind-driven flames leaped into the air. The Chief immediately notified responding units of the working fire and requested Mutual aid resources to assist in the battle. Firefighters from Williston Park, Garden City Park and the Mineola VAC responded to the scene. New Hyde Park and Garden City Firefighters supplied a standby crew to cover Mineola in the event of another alarm. During the stand by two additional alarms were received, on Lincoln Ave and on Burkhardt Ave, and the standby crews responded. One Mineola Firefighter was transported by MVAC to Winthrop Hospital with a minor injury. Although significant damage occurred to the garage, the firefighter’s efforts prevented extension to all of the adjacent homes.
On February 23rd, Mineola was able to thank New Hyde Park for their Mutual aid by reciprocating with a Ladder truck to stand by in New Hyde Park while they battled a House fire. On February 28th, Mineola firefighters were returning from an alarm when they were dispatched to an overturned auto on Jerome Ave. MFD rescuers made sure the occupant was safely out of the auto and then used the Heavy Rescue truck to upright the vehicle.
When the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Warning on Sunday March 1, several Mineola Firefighters reported to the firehouse and slept in quarters to insure a rapid response in the event of an alarm.
On Wednesday, March 4th, Assistant Chief Connolly was on the road with his family when a vehicle overturned in Eisenhower Park. Chief Connolly immediately notified FireCom of the incident and went to check on the driver who was still in the car. Ironically, a former Mineola Firefighter and Retired FDNY firefighter, John Guarino was also passing by. Together they extricated the motorist from the vehicle and rendered aid until the NCPD and East Meadow Fire Department arrived on scene.
On Thursday, March 5th, Mineola Firefighters were assembled for their department meeting when the call came for a house fire on Musnug Ave. Chief Holliday arrived on scene to a working basement fire and advised responding units that they were “going to work.” The smoky fire was quickly knocked down and an extensive overhaul was conducted to insure that no hidden pockets of fire remained. The Department can only hope that the year that has come in like a lion will go out like a lamb…
