January 14, 2013

CONNETQUOT TEACHERS ASSOCIATION HOSTS COMMUNITY FIREMAN ‘THANK YOU’ BREAKFAST

CTA President Tony Felicio, Jr. (l), thanks Bohemia Fire Commissioner Tom Riedel.

Ronkonkoma, NY --- On Sunday morning, January 13th, members of the Connetquot Teachers Association (CTA) visited the Bohemia, and West Sayville, Fire Departments to provide a ‘Thank You’ breakfast to these dedicated volunteers. Connetquot Teachers Association President Tony Felicio, Jr., has long appreciated the sacrifices of the community’s volunteer firemen, and EMS workers. Through personal experience he has come to value what these selfless individuals do when they receive that ‘emergency’ phone call. But the response of these community volunteers during, and after, Hurricane Sandy took their dedication to another level.

Felicio told the volunteers, "On behalf of the Connetquot Teachers Association, thank you for what you did not only during the storm, but for what you do day in and day out for our communities. While we are all at home with our families safe and sound, you folks are away from yours helping and saving lives. You truly make a difference!" The Bohemia Fire Department is celebrating it’s 120th year protecting the residents of that community! The West Sayville fire house, established in 1961, is located in Oakdale, and responsible for that community, as well as the western part of Sayville. Felicio went on to say “… it was amazing in talking to the firefighters, just how much history there is in the community in which we work.”

Felicio thanked 1st Assistant Chief Michael Stankunis (Bohemia VFD) and Chief of Department – Robert Doucet (West Sayville VFD) as they discussed the vast communities the departments protect, and the dedication of their firefighters. The CTA President also extended his gratitude to the families of the firefighters, and CTA members Cheryl Hausle, Pat Goff (retired) and Ginny Spiess (retired) for organizing the two breakfast events.

Members of the Bohemia Fired Department gather for a photo with members of the Connetquot Teachers Assocation. 1st Assistant Chief Michael Stankunis (behind podium), on behalf of Chief of the Department Richard Andersen, thanked Felicio (2nd from right) and CTA members Cheryl Hausle, Pat Goff and Ginny Spiess for the ‘Thank You’ breakfast visit.

(l-r) (Bohemia Fire Department) Pam Losquadro, 1st Assistant Chief Michael Stankunis , Ginny Spiess (retired) Tony Felicio, Jr., Cheryl Hausle (missing from photo: Patt Goff (retired))

CTA President Tony Felicio, Jr., thanks members of the West Sayville (Oakdale) Fire Department for protecting residents of the community.

(photos by Joseph Maniaci)