The Oyster Bay Fire Departments, comprised of the Oyster Bay Fire Company #1 and the Atlantic Steamer Fire Company #1, were very busy on May 1st serving their community the best way possible. At 9:30 A.M. the members of both Companies and several pieces of apparatus met at a house slated for demolition on Mill River Road. Due to the proximity of a neighboring home, no real fires were set. Realism was achieved by the use of smoke grenades. Engine 558 and Ambulance 5516 from the OBFC #1, and, Engine 559 and Rescue 555 from the ASFC #1 were used for the drill. They spent several hours practicing the following Company operations: hydrant utilization and in-line pumping (supplying an engine with water from another engine) was first conducted. The first interior evolution was practiced using two grenades on the second floor to generate a volume of smoke. Standard firefighting practices were used, first, by searching for victims, and then locating the fire. A hose team stretched in a line followed by a second hose team to back them up. A ventilation team went inside to vent smoke and heat. The second evolution simulated a first floor fire. The training was jointly conducted by Asst. Chief Mercadante of the ASFC #1 and Asst. Chief Bellissimo of the OBFC #1. Chiefs DeCarolis and Mantegari, III of the OBFC #1 and Chiefs Ozol and Warner of the ASFC #1 were on hand as observers. The OBFC #1 Rescue Squad consisting of EMTs Susan Clark, Michael Scheck, and Cassandra West were standing by in case any members were injured while training. Upon completion of the drill, a critique was held. The training went very well and then it was off to the Health Fair scheduled on Audrey Avenue at 11 A.M. for both Companies. The Oyster Bay Fire Company sent 5516, our big red ambulance, which was set up at Audrey and Spring. Helping the OBFC #1 explain the operations that go on inside of an ambulance during an emergency call were the Junior Fire Fighters from the East Norwich Fire Department. They also practiced taking blood pressures and using the Life-Pak on 5516. Senator Marcellino was nice enough to offer his arm for a BP and oxygen level check. It was also very special to us that many children were shown the inside of an ambulance for the first time and went away with a positive experience. The Juniors did a great job!!! At 6 P.M. members from both Companies met to go to the Nassau County Memorial Service held in Port Washington. All members were in Class A uniforms (ties, hats, and gloves). As you can see, the commitment to be a volunteer in the Oyster Bay Fire Department might involve many hours in a single day, but many of your neighbors give of themselves freely and go to sleep tired, but very happy that their day added greatly to their lives and the lives of others.
