Breslin and His Brothers: Inspecting, Fire Fighting and Rescuing Anyone Who Needs Them
By Maureen Rossi
On Saturday March 21st when Smithtown Today pulled up to United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) on Indian Head Road in Kings Park, some of its residents were outdoors surrounded by aides and members of the Commack Fire Department. They were nice and warm inside specialized blankets that included hoods. Some of them donned the plastic Fire Hats brought by the Commack Fire Department. They were thrilled to be outside and extremely excited about the fire truck and the Commack Fire Fighters. Commissioner Pat Fazio was amongst the Firemen present. He said it gave him great joy to see the patients so happy.
However, thank goodness, there was no emergency, UCP and the Commack Fire Department were just performing a mock drill to show people how important it is to have fire drills in institutions like UCP throughout their district.
“Evacuations can be particularly difficult said Firefighter Breslin, that’s why it’s important that the staff has fire drills in the day, in the middle of the night and in early morning,” he explained. He said there is less staff in the middle of the night and they want to be 100% prepared if an emergency were to erupt. Emergencies are his specialty, he’s been working with Con Edison in the Emergency Department for twenty-four years and he’s been a firefighter for the Commack Fire Department for four years. His present title is Life and Safety Educator for the department.
That was apparent as he led about six men about the building for an informal inspection. He and his brothers were checking all the exits. He was pointing out the emergency lighting to the newbies like six foot three Steven also known as Stretch. If there were to be a power outage, Breslin explained the emergency lighting should automatically illuminate. Joe was pointed to exit’s throughout the visit, reminding the newbies where they were. The newbies are essentially students who must go on calls and observe for entire year. UCP employee Katelyn accompanies the firemen and I throughout the facility. While in the lower level we examined the boiler room. A huge and old heating system, it resembled something on a large steam liner. “If something blows down here, get out immediately,” barked Breslin. He explained to them that asbestos is benign unless it’s airborne. Joe reiterated Breslin’s concern and told his men, just get out. Both say their first and foremost concern is evacuation and keeping their fellow firefighters safe.
Breslin was examining the walls to see what was linking them; if there were any obstacles. “Housekeeping does a pretty good job at this facility,” said Katelyn. The goal said Firefighter Eric, Ray and Breslin was to keep the walls clear of debris, carts, etc. “If we get in here in a fire and its pitch black, we find a wall, we use the wall to guide us in to do a save and guide us out; open walls are so important,” explained Breslin. All his brothers agreed.
Asked why they do what they do – they all answered differently in unison; “we’re adrenaline junkies”, “we care about our communities”, “every life is worth saving”, “it’s just something we are called to do”, “it’s about the brotherhood.” Commack Fire Department has 100 active members. Separate from the Commack Ambulance company, they go out on an array of calls. When asked what the hardest are they say overdoses of kids and car crashes with kids. Many of the men are fathers and although it breaks their heart to see this, something in them makes them HAVE to do it.
“You never know what you are going to find as you are in the rig speeding there,” said Firefighter Eric.
The Fire Department has done fundraisers in the past for UCP and were discussing some with Katelyn while there. “”Ever since I came here there is something special about this place, I am drawn to it” said Breslin. Firefighter Ray had a smile on his face the whole time, he says you could see how much joy it brings for the residents to have them come by.
The patients range from 18-83 and in addition, UCP has about eighteen houses around Suffolk that Cerebral Palsy patients also call home. The Commack Fire Department serves East Northport, Elwood, Hauppauge, parts of Smithtown and Dix Hills. Breslin said he’s met some of the greatest men in his life during his short stint at the Fire Department, he says they are the best of the best. He loves what he does, he’s not going anywhere and promises to be back do a bar-b-q for the UCP patients this summer.
Cerebral Palsy
Conditions found commonly with cerebral palsy include cognitive impairment, feeding difficulties, seizure activity, vision impairment, and hearing impairment. According to My Child at Cerebral Palsy.org. It is one
one-time injury to the brain, it does not progress. People with CP vary from being able to work and function and live on their own to being bed ridden; they tend to live long lives.
Important Dates for Commack Fire Department
- In 1906 Commack was the country – terribly rural. On a warm evening in August a few community members gathered in the town’s hotel at the intersection of Jericho and Commack Road. They gathered to launch the area’s first fire department. Ironically, it was an out of town part-time resident from Canarsie Brooklyn who was the impetus behind organizing Commack’s charter crew of volunteers. His name was Ferdinan Freschkorn; due to his efforts the Commack Hook & Ladder Co. was born. Ironically it was created without a hook or ladder!
- Freschkorn brought a onetime FDNY hand drawn vehicle from out its retirement in Brooklyn. It took a few days and just as many horses to bring Commack’s first vehicle to the Fire Company.
- The early members held fundraisers and dancers to raise money to build a home for their Fire Company and increase its equipment.
- In 1908 the first building was constructed on the current site.
- In 1921 the first motorized piece of apparatus was purchased, a 1921 Model T Ford which has been completely restored and can be viewed at the main firehouse on Jericho Turnpike.
- In 1924 the first addition was added, it was an old school house and was modified to become part of the Commack Fire House.
- In 1938 The Commack Fire District was formed.
- In 1939 the name was changed From Commack Hook and Ladder Co.#1 to Commack Fire Department
- In 1952 a new wing was added.
- In the 1970’s as the suburban concept expanded and grew ever popular the Fire Department purchased land all over the town.
- 1983 Station #2 was erected on Elwood Road to help protect the west side of the district.
- In 996 Station $4 was built on Kings Park Road protecting the Northeast part of the district.
- The Commack Fire District embraces an area of some fifteen square miles.