Community Backbone - 27 East

Letters

Southampton Press / Opinion / Letters / 2070995

Community Backbone

I would like to thank Alfie Callahan, former chief of the Southampton Village Fire Department, for his service to the Village of Southampton.

Alfie has done an amazing job as chief and has set an example for all. During his time with the department, he earned Officer of the Year, as well as an honorable mention from the Firefighters Association of the State of New York for his heroic actions during a water rescue on Shinnecock Bay.

We are lucky he will continue to serve us in the fire department, and as an EMT, and we owe him a great deal of gratitude.

I have also had the good fortune of working with another outgoing community leader, Cheyne Finocchiaro, former chief of the Southampton Village Volunteer Ambulance, during my time as mayor. Both have continuously shown their commitment to the safety of our neighbors and also have been tireless advocates for the members of their departments.

Their leadership and dedication to Southampton Village will be missed, but I know we are in good hands with Fire Chief Emmanuel Escobar and Ambulance Chief Kyle McGuinness.

I also would like to recognize 1st Assistant Chief Polis Walker and 2nd Assistant Chief Richard Fowler from the fire department, and 1st Assistant Chief Robert J. Murphy, 2nd Assistant Chief Colby Gill, Secretary Daniel Berry and Treasurer Donald Mahoney from the Southampton Volunteer Ambulance, as well as other past chiefs.

Our first responders have one of the toughest and most important jobs in Southampton Village. These individuals have served our community at the highest level, saving lives while seeking out no recognition.

As such, I want to take a moment to thank all of our emergency services personnel. They do the hard work of responding to situations when people are experiencing the worst circumstances.

In addition, I wanted to thank all of our firefighters, police, EMS personnel and 911 dispatchers who provide the very best services. Thanks to their efforts, outcomes to emergency situations are improved and lives are saved. Not only do they protect us but they are also always there when our village is gathering to celebrate. Whether it’s Fourth of July or the Parade of Lights, our first responders are there to ensure we can all enjoy ourselves safely.

Thank you again for all you do for our village. Your service is recognized and so greatly appreciated. You are the heart and backbone of our community.

Jesse Warren

Mayor

Village of Southampton