On May 31, 2008, the
Northport Fire Department held their First Annual Chuck
Varese Extrication Tournament. Departments from the Town of
Huntington gathered at the Northport Fire Department’s
training grounds to put their extrication skills to the
test. At the end of the day, the Northport Fire Department
came in first place. The second place winner was the
Centerport Fire Department, while third place was taken by
the East Northport Fire Department. It should also be noted
that the Northport Fire Department had the best overall time
for the tournament.
After a long day that included clouds, mist and rain, the
sun broke out to shine upon Huntington’s bravest. Many
firefighters there were of the opinion that it was Chuck’s
way of looking down and saying “thank you” for supporting
the tournament.
-Fire News photos by Dennis Whittam
Baldwin Ladder 2 and Hempstead
Ladder 2 Support Troops Abroad
After this photo session, the banner in support of the troops,
especially the US Army 173rd, was signed by all present. The
banner was then sent to Brian Fitzsimmons, who is serving his
second tour in Afghanistan. Brian is a former member and
Lieutenant of Ladder 2 Baldwin and a present member of Hempstead
Ladder 2. In the center are Brian’s father, Tom (a former Chief
of the Baldwin Fire Department) and Brian’s Mom Pat.
Firefighter Brian Fitzsimmons serves with the 173rd Airborne
Brigade Combat Team, an elite fighting force that dates back to
Okinawa in the early 60’s. The Brigade was the first ground unit
sent to the Republic of South Viet Nam in 1965. They are
currently deployed in Afghanistan, engaged in combat operations.
As 9/11 passes, it is important to thank the men and women of
the armed services for their daily sacrifice in our battle
against terrorism.
-Fire News photo by Bill Bennett
Welcome Home from Iraq
Second Assistant Chief Ryan Baentt of the Brookhaven Fire
Department was welcomed home on September 16. He was greeted by
Chief Lawrence Fink and his crew.
Fire News photos by Wally Klokel
