Sitting with me in The Firehouse is Olena Nicks. Olena joined the fire department right out of high school, beginning her journey in EMS before joining Rescue and rising through the ranks to become a Captain. Her passion for service began organically after seeing a sign for volunteer firefighters — a simple moment that inspired a lifelong commitment to helping others and strengthening her community. In addition to her fire service, Olena proudly serves as a Nassau County Legislator, continuing her dedication to leadership and public service.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Bob Corwin. Bob Corwin’s journey in the fire service began early, following in the footsteps of his family. Though he officially joined as a Junior Firefighter in 1985, he had been around the firehouse long before that with his father and grandfather. His grandfather, an Ex-Chief of the department and Chief Driver of every motorized apparatus the Company owned, left a lasting legacy that Bob proudly carried forward.

In 1989, at just 17 years old, Bob became a full member of the department. That same year, he introduced his wife—now a firefighter/paramedic—to the fire service. Over the years, Bob has taken on leadership roles, first serving as Captain in 2001 and again in two more terms, most recently from 2019 through 2025.

Dedicated to both fire and EMS, Bob became an EMT in 1993 to support the department’s ambulance operations. Today, firefighting remains a true family tradition for the Corwins, with Bob, his father, his wife, and his son all serving as active members of the department.

Samuel Sanchez joined the Uniondale Fire Department in March 2023 at just 18 years old, while still in high school. Growing up, he was influenced by his father and grandfather who both served in the fire service. In high school, Samuel was active in Junior Army ROTC and took his first EMT class. Currently, he's a full-time trade student at Nassau BOCES studying automotive technology, and also works part-time at Micro Center. Samuel is in chauffeur training for 755 and he hopes to build a long-term career in the fire service.

Kurt Becker currently serves as the 1st Assistant Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department, where he has proudly volunteered for over 14 years with Engine Company #2. A two-time Ex-Captain of his company and a dedicated 3rd generation firefighter, Kurt carries on his family’s legacy of service and leadership in the fire service. 

Alexia Netto has been proudly serving as a volunteer firefighter with the Hempstead Fire Department’s Southside Ladder 2 for the past seven months. Firefighting runs in her family, as her grandfather once wore the same gear, but her own passion was born from powerful personal experiences. After witnessing a fire near her home and later watching her uncle’s house catch fire, Alexia was deeply moved by the dedication and precision of the firefighters who responded. From that moment on, she knew she wanted to be part of that brotherhood and sisterhood. Today, she continues that legacy of service, carrying forward both her family’s history and her own commitment to protecting her community.

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William “Cheech” Herrera has proudly served 37+ years with the Hempstead Fire Department, Victory Engine #4, where he became the department’s first Latino member—paving the way for many who followed. Throughout his career, he held roles as Lieutenant, Captain, and Rescue Squad officer, earning respect during challenging times. Though an on-duty injury as a Nassau County Correctional Officer forced early retirement, his legacy of leadership and service remains strong. Now living in North Carolina, William continues to share his story and passion for the fire service.

John “Chappy” Sandiford- A Firefighter with 22 years of service. He has served with the Syosset FD, Jericho FD, and North Lindenhurst FD, where he also held the rank of Ex-Lieutenant. A two-time state champion with the Piston Knockers Drill Team, John proudly continues a family tradition in the fire service dating back to 1933 with the Jericho FD.

James Fehling has dedicated over 35 years to the fire service. He began at 18 with the Wantagh Fire Department, later serving in Levittown and Sound Beach before joining the FDNY, where he spent nearly 20 years in companies including Ladder 112 in Brooklyn and Engine 260/Foam 260 in Long Island City. His career was marked by responding to the Father’s Day Fire and 9/11, where he lost his brother, Lee, of E235. After retiring due to injury, James continued his commitment to service, joining the Miller Place Fire Department, where he now serves as chief driver. Beyond the firehouse, he is the committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 204 and a volunteer puppy raiser with the Guide Dog Foundation. Service and community remain at the heart of his family’s life.

Josh Ganshaw joined the Bethpage Fire Department on September 6, 2011—the same day he started at Hofstra University—after spending two years in the department’s Juniors program. Assigned to Ladder Company 3, he worked his way up through lieutenant and captain before becoming the department’s youngest assistant chief, where he focuses on leadership development and supporting the mental health of his members. Outside the firehouse, Josh serves as an NYPD officer in the Bronx and has over 13 years of experience in fire apparatus sales with Ferrara Fire Apparatus, where he takes pride in designing and delivering trucks for departments across the region.

Canaan Crayton serves with Brookside Engine Company 2 of the Uniondale Fire Department and works with FDNY EMS, proudly protecting both his local community and New York City. Fire service runs in his blood — with family in the department, it was always something he aspired to do. He began his journey early as a Captain in the Uniondale Juniors, where his passion and leadership took root.