Politics & Government

Venditto Seeking New Recruits For Police, Fire Volunteers

TOBAY NOTEBOOK: Also, fall cleanup scheduled announced; Adopt a Pet for free this month.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto recently sent out a town-wide mailing to attract new recruits for the community's volunteer firefighters and auxiliary police.

“Our volunteer emergency service personnel are the life’s blood of our communities throughout the Town of Oyster Bay,” Venditto said. “There is no greater feeling than helping your neighbors in their time of need. Volunteering gives individuals a sense of community and of belonging.”

Venditto said there is ongoing need for volunteers and local fire companies and police agencies are willing to train new recruits and provide them with equipment.

The Town of Oyster Bay is protected by 18 volunteer fire departments and fire companies which train volunteers firefighters through the Nassau County Fire Service Academy. And, the Nassau County EMS, through New York State, also provides medical training to individuals interested in becoming Emergency Medical Technicians and Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians.

Auxiliary police officers receive comprehensive training through a 19-session basic training course administered at the Nassau County Police Academy. Recruits are soon in the field, assisting with special events, directing traffic and helping reduce criminal activity by being the 'eyes and ears' of the police department.

Venditto noted that maintaining a steady influx of recruits and retaining existing volunteers has become increasingly difficult due to economic factors and other circumstances.

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“In this fast-paced world, most of us have a myriad of responsibilities, including obligations to our careers and family,” he said. “However, the need to have volunteers come to our aid in times of emergency hasn’t diminished."

To inquire about becoming a volunteer firefighter, contact your local fire department and arrange to meet with officers, tour the department and receive a brief overview of what will be expected of you as a member.

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Those interested can obtain more information about the volunteer fire service by calling 1-800-FIRELINE. A volunteer will contact you. Those seeking to join the Nassau County Auxiliary Police can call (516) 573-7521.

“I hope you will strongly consider becoming a volunteer police officer or firefighter,” Venditto said. “It's a win-win situation for yourself and your community.”

Homeowners Cleanup Scheduled for Sept. 28

The sixth of eight 2013 Homeowners Cleanup programs for Oyster Bay residents is set for Saturday, Sept. 28, and two more are scheduled during the busy fall cleanup period.

Homeowners within the town’s Solid Waste Disposal District may take unwanted, non-hazardous refuse to the town’s landfill at 101 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road, Old Bethpage, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Proof of district residency must be shown. If you plan to bring any boats or trailers, proof of ownership must be provided and signed over to the Town.”

Bushes, tree limbs, fence posts and similar items will be accepted as is and need not be broken into smaller pieces. Used tires, large metal items in excess of four feet, clean fill, clean broken concrete, and boats and boat trailers will also be accepted. Passenger cars, vans, pickup trucks and small trailers are admitted to the program. Six-wheel or larger vehicles are not permitted.

Two more Homeowners Cleanup dates are set for Saturday, Oct. 26; and Sunday, Nov. 17. Residents can call 677-5943 if they have any questions.

Adopt a Pet For Nearly Free at Animal Shelter

The town's Animal Shelter is holding its fifth annual "Free Adoption Month in September, when the town waives the usual adoption fee of $80 for dogs and $84 for cats.

“I invite anyone interested in adopting a pet to visit the Town’s Animal Shelter and see the wide selection of puppies and kittens, as well as older dogs and cats, even some purebreds, available for adoption,” said Councilman Chris J. Coschignano. “Trained shelter personnel will work with you to make sure the animal you select is appropriate for your family’s lifestyle.”

The standard $10 spay /neuter license fee still applies. For seniors, the license fee is $5. Dogs will receive both a rabies and a 5-in-1 shot, while cats will receive a rabies and 3-in-1 shot at no charge. Both dogs and cats will receive free micro-chipping.

For further information, contact the Animal Shelter at 677-5784. It is open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. To see photos of some of the animals available for adoption, or to link to the Town’s Facebook page, visit the Town’s website, www.oysterbaytown.com.



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