Nine RVC Firefighters Honored by ToH

Thirty two volunteer firefighters were recently honored by Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray at the 2010 Firematic Awards, and nine of them were from the Rockville Centre Fire Department. 

Many of this year's recipients were honored for heroic deeds performed during the normal course of their day. "This only highlights the humanity and public-spiritedness these special individuals embrace," Murray said.

According to RVC FD Chief Mark Murray, the nine village firefighters were recognized for reviving a Rockville Centre resident who suffered a heart attack. The resident was in cardiac arrest when they arrived, Murray said, and they were able to revive him.

"I'm just very proud of them," Murray said. "It's not something you do in everyday training, and their expertise really paid off."

The nine village firefighters honored were: Second Assistant Chief John Thorp, Captain Kimberly Martino (firefighter), AEMT Gail Atlas-Goodman (firefighter), AEMT Joseph Howard (firefighter), EMT Pierre Hourani (firemedic/EMT), Margaret Nelson (firefighter), James Neitz Sr., Lieutenant Joseph Martino and Firefighter/EMT Remy Jean-Francios. 

Chief Murray added that just because his firefighters aren't paid, doesn't mean they are less qualified. "We're as good at revival as the paid services in this country," he said.

At the ceremony, Kate Murray explained why volunteer firefighters are so special.

"Firefighters make significant sacrifices and put their lives on the line every day to protect people and their property," said Kate Murray. "What makes the activities of our talented honorees so compelling is the fact that they volunteer, giving of their personal time, to ensure that our residents are safe."