BALDWIN FIRE DEPARTMENT

The First Aid Company of the Baldwin Fire Department had its beginning on May 8,1933, as a unit of Hose Company No. 2. Francis Musso, Claude Noon, and Harold Hancox were appointed members of the new rescue squad. They were sworn in by Chief Sal Sorrentino who spelled out their duties. These three became the nucleus of a team which was later expanded to company status of the Fire Department. 

One year later, on March 12, Francis Musso was appointed Acting Lieutenant and charged with organizing a First Aid unit. Musso drew upon volunteers Arthur Hults, William H. Wright, Joseph Smidt, Richard Demerest, Donald Fisher, Claude Noon, Fred Gottlieb, and Charles Bedell as the Department’s first official firstaidmen. Until 1938, the First Aid Rescue Squad was made up of volunteer firemen attached to Hose Company No. 2. Emergency calls during that period averaged 16 calls per year. 

On May 16, 1938, the unit became a separate Company of the Department and had elected as officers Captain Francis Musso, Lieutenant Arthur Hults, Secretary Richard Demerest, and Treasurer Charles Brunner. 

Since the humble beginning, when their first piece of apparatus was an old Graham-Paige sedan with the back seat chopped away and converted into a rescue truck, to the present where they are responsible to respond with three pieces of apparatus, two cardiac-equipped advance life support ambulances and a heavy rescue truck, Baldwin’s First Aid Unit has made outstanding contributions in countless hours of community service and rendering aid and assistance. 

Many members of the First Aid Company have risen from the ranks of firefighter to become Lieutenants and Captains. Several have reached the highest office, Chief of Department. Three members of the Company, the late Henry Wright, the late Roy Eckels, and Joseph C. Koch, have served the community as Fire Commissioners. 

In June of 1938, the District acquired a new emergency truck. It made its first public appearance in the July 4th parade, which in those days was a community event much like Memorial Day is today. As the years went by, the Board of Fire Commissioners purchased new and modern equipment as it was developed. In 1954, a new GMC heavy duty rescue truck was purchased to replace the 1938 emergency truck. “BIG MOE,” which it was lovingly called, was capable of handling most emergencies for those times. The District forefathers, the Commissioners, purchased the first ambulance in 1963. It was a Cadillac and was fully equipped with the most up to date first aid equipment available. It was given the radio designation “2010” and was placed into service on February 25th. The purchase of the ambulance increased the desire of the members of the First Aid Company to enhance their knowledge and further develop their emergency medical skills. Members at this time took First Aid classes given by the American Red Cross. As the years went by, the training was taken over by the Nassau County Fire/Police Academy. Members who participated in these programs graduated as Emergency Medical Technicians and paramedics, a certification recognized by the New York State Health Department. 

Through the years since 1932, the First Aid Company has distinguished itself and has been awarded many group commendations as well as individual honors. An example of the dedication of its members, was the participation in rescuing the injured in the Long Island Railroad train wreck in Rockville Centre. Climbing into the overturned rail cars, the First Aid Company members worked together with doctors extricating people from the train. The late Roy Eckels was awarded a special life-saving commendation by the American Red Cross for restarting a cave-in victim’s breathing. Other First Aid members Paul Cimino and Christopher Schwenker received the “Fireman of the Year” Award for their dedication and outstanding community service. 

Since those early awards dozens of First Aid Company Medics have received “EMS awards of Excellence” for Pre-hospital saves. Others have received the coveted “Stalk Award” for the bringing life into the world and being in the right place at the right time. The First Aid Company also responded to ground zero on 9-11-01 during the city of New York’s greatest time of need. First Aid Company members have earned the admiration of their fellow firefighters, the firefighters from surrounding towns, and the gratitude of those people they have assisted in Baldwin over the decades. 

The First Aid Company presently has 26 Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics and members in training. Along with the other Companies which make up the Department, the First Aid Company is made up of individuals from all walks of life. There are city firefighters, doctors, nurses, schoolteachers, sanitary engineers, and businessmen who own stores right here in town and respond from their establishments when the alarm sounds. Dedication is mirrored by all members of the Company as they continue to retain their necessary certifications, keep up with the changing O.S.H.A. regulations, and maintain the highest level of obtainable skills available to better serve the Community of Baldwin. These life savers have been operating in the community of Baldwin for almost 90 years.