LUPINACCI, RAIA CONGRATULATE FIRE CHIEFS OF THE YEAR

Assemblymen Chad Lupinacci (R,C,I-South Huntington) and Andrew Raia (R,I,C-East Northport) recently congratulated East Northport Fire Department Ex-Chief Joseph Ervin and Assistant Chief Daniel Heffernan for a valiant rescue effort amidst a raging house fire on May 4, 2014.

In a letter nominating Ervin and Heffernan for Fire Chief of the Year, First Assistant Chief Wayne Kifler, Jr. wrote that the “extreme effort that both Chiefs displayed in entering the house to search for a victim” merited the recognition. Lupinacci and Raia celebrated the men during the annual Town of Huntington Fire Chiefs Council dinner on December 6.

“In executing their duties, these selfless men displayed tremendous valor,” Lupinacci said. “I am proud to honor the fine work of these two gentlemen and continue to be extremely grateful for the exemplary volunteer service Long Island firefighters provide to our communities every day.”

“I am so pleased to have joined Assemblyman Lupinacci in recognizing the heroic acts of Joseph Ervin and Daniel Heffernan,” Raia added. “Their courage is truly admirable, and I extend my sincere appreciation to them, as well as all volunteer firefighters, who regularly demonstrate exemplary service and dedication in order to protect our friends, families and neighbors.”

Heffernan was first on the scene at 9:27 p.m., when he radioed in the fire. A neighbor told him that an elderly victim, 90, lived alone in the home and was trapped inside. Minutes later, Ervin was on scene and joined in the search for the victim in “extreme heat and heavy smoke conditions.”