Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Jean-Baptiste Carelus. Jean-Baptiste Carelus has built his life around service, leadership, and showing up for his community when it matters most. Whether in his professional career or inside the firehouse, his hard work and dedication speak for themselves.

He currently serves as a Senior Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO) Analyst with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Capital Markets and Investment Analysis Office, where his discipline, focus, and problem-solving skills help guide critical financial analysis.

But those who truly know Jean-Baptiste know that some of his most meaningful work happens as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the West Hempstead Fire Department. His commitment to the department reflects countless hours of training, emergency response, teamwork, and sacrifice—all done in service to others. As a volunteer, he gives his time selflessly, answering calls, supporting his fellow firefighters, and remaining dedicated to the safety of the community. That kind of service is built on consistency, heart, and a willingness to work hard without asking for recognition.

He is also a proud brother of Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a lector at St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is John Jarvis, a 27-year-old fourth-generation firefighter and 10+ year member of the East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company. Over the course of his service, John has responded to thousands of emergency calls, including structure fires, technical rescues, and EMS incidents. He is trained in basic firefighting, ice water rescue, and advanced first aid, and was recognized as a top 5 responder in his department from 2015 to 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, John played a critical role in transporting patients to nearby hospitals and was later recognized by the Town of Oyster Bay for his service. Outside of the firehouse, he is a student at Nassau Community College, where he serves as a Senator in the Student Government Association. He is also actively involved in local leadership as a member of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, the Glen Cove Democratic Committee, and as leader of the Glen Cove Young Democrats Club.

Continuing a proud family legacy of service dating back to 1919, John follows in the footsteps of generations before him — including his father, a former Chief of the department — carrying forward a deep commitment to community, leadership, and the fire service.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Robert Hendry. Rob is a 35-year member of Harper Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and a life member of the Hempstead Fire Department. Rob also served his community for 32 years as a Hempstead Police Officer before retiring from law enforcement.
Within Truck 1, he currently serves as Captain and Treasurer, and has previously held the roles of Captain, Lieutenant, and Secretary. Deeply committed to training and safety, Rob is an active member of the department’s training, safety, and investigation committees, and is both a New York State Certified Fire Instructor and Nassau County Certified Safety Officer.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Christina Ovale. Christina’s fire service career began with Westbury Hose Company No. 1, where she proudly served from 2012 to 2023. During her time there, she rose through the ranks as Rescue Lieutenant in 2020, Rescue Captain in 2021, and Hose 1 Lieutenant in 2022, becoming the department’s first female line officer, chauffeur, and racing team “turtle.”

She continued her service with Jericho Trident Company from 2023 to 2024 and later with Roslyn Highlands Fire Company from 2024 to 2025. Today, Christina carries her commitment to public service forward in a new chapter, currently working in law enforcement in Florida.

Sitting with me today is Marc Abrams, a first-generation firefighter currently serving with the Seaford Fire Department for the past year. Prior to that, Mark dedicated 14½ years to Levittown Fire Department’s Ladder 6, the Tiller — a place that will always feel like home and where he learned the foundation of the firefighter he is today. During his time there, he served as a driving instructor and took on many of the responsibilities of a line officer as a senior member.

Marc also spent two years working EMS in the city and now works for the Town of Oyster Bay Sanitation Department. Throughout his journey — from drill team to the fireground — he’s built lifelong friendships, countless memories, and remains passionate about what he loves most: being on the trucks with the guys and serving his community.

Sitting with me in the firehouse today is Caleb Giordano. Caleb is a 10-year member of the Carle Place Fire Department, where he serves as both an interior firefighter and EMT-B. An above-knee amputee since the age of two, he has shown unwavering dedication to service and leadership throughout his career. Caleb currently holds the position of President on the department’s Board of Trustees and continues to be a strong advocate for his department and the fire service as a whole.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Paul Salvodon. Paul began his service career while attending Nassau Community College, joining the Uniondale Fire Department’s Manor Company Engine 3 on October 21, 2014. During his time with UFD, he served as Manor Company Secretary and briefly as a chauffeur. After graduating from NCC in 2017, Paul continued his commitment to public service by becoming an NYPD Police Officer on January 10, 2018.

After nearly seven years with the fire department, he resigned in May 2021 following a move to Rockville Centre with his fiancée. His service path continued when he joined the Army Reserve in November 2022, deploying to Kuwait from 2023 to 2024. Upon returning home, Paul earned his bachelor’s degree from John Jay College, relocated to North Babylon, and transitioned from the NYPD to the Garden City Police Department in November 2024. 

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Chance Ervin. 

Chance Ervin is a volunteer firefighter with the Johnson Fire Department, proudly serving the communities of Johnson and Westtown, New York. He joined the department on October 9, 2023, and has nearly two years of volunteer firefighting experience.

One of the most significant incidents Chance has responded to was the Jennings Creek Fires in Greenwood Lake, where he assisted in wildfire suppression operations alongside neighboring agencies.
Outside of the fire service, Chance is a student at SUNY Orange, majoring in International Relations. When he is not studying or responding to emergency calls, he works as a produce clerk at ShopRite in Warwick, NY.

Chance is committed to public service, teamwork, and continued learning both in and out of the firehouse.

Sitting with me in the FireHouse is Avril Ashley. Avril is a dedicated member of the Uniondale Fire Department, marking 20 years of service in June 2026. Originally from Queens, NY, he moved to Uniondale to give his family a better way of living, bought his first home, and was inspired to join the fire department after seeing the fire trucks pass his block—sparking a passion that became his lifelong calling.

Throughout his career with Company 3, Avril has served as Lieutenant, Captain six times, Ex-Captain five times, and currently serves as Captain. He has also held the roles of Second Assistant Chief, First Assistant Chief, and Chief of the Department. Today, he proudly serves as Commissioner of the Uniondale Fire Department. Despite decades of leadership, Avril considers himself a lifelong student of the fire service—continuously learning the levels, stages, and inner workings of the fire district.

Be sure to watch the full episode to hear all of Avril’s firehouse stories! 

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Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr.  Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr., a proud Hempstead resident of over 40 years, was elected Mayor on March 16, 2021. His public service began in 2013 as a Village Trustee and later Deputy Mayor, where he oversaw key departments including Police, Fire, and Public Works. Since taking office, he has led major revitalization efforts, securing nearly $160 million for the Village, including a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. Mayor Hobbs is an active member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the African American Mayors Association, and NYCOM, serving on multiple committees focused on community development and government operations. A seasoned public servant, he has previously served as Supervisor of Code Enforcement, Commissioner of the Hempstead Housing Authority, and Board Member at Nassau University Medical Center. He is also a member and officer of the Hempstead Fire Department’s Truck Company One and an EMT-CC, earning the Life-Saving Star Award. Beyond his civic work, Mayor Hobbs has been the Senior Pastor of Coney Island Cathedral for over 30 years and Presiding Bishop of The Restoration Fellowship. He holds a Doctorate in Theology and is the author of New Mind, New You. Mayor Hobbs is married to Donna, a surgical RN and retired Lt. Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Together, they are committed to faith, family, and community service.