West Islip Fire District Seeking Bond Funding to Meet Expanding Community EMS Service Needs

July 5, 2017; West Islip, NY - The evolving needs of the West Islip community for emergency services is why the West Islip Fire District will ask the community to support its plan for expanding services by voting to approve a $4.4 million bond on September 19, 2017. The proposed bond is intended to enable the continuance of EMS rescue and fire services at safe, acceptable levels, and to bring the District into compliance with OSHA and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) requirements.

Home meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, July 18 (7:00 pm) and Tuesday, August 15 (7:00 pm). Both will include fact-based presentations and an open Q&A session. All residents are urged to attend the meetings and to vote for the bond issue, Tuesday, September 19. Both meetings and the vote will be held at West Islip Fire District Headquarters, 309 Union Boulevard, West Islip.

“The world is changing rapidly,” West Islip Fire District Commissioner Jeff Kempf stated. “Across the U.S., firefighting is transitioning to a healthcare-oriented environment. Now over 75% of West Islip’s alarms are for emergency services, and they are projected to go even higher as the West Islip community expands and changes. Ambulances are activated for every call.”

In actuality, the proposed $4.4 million bond represents the sum of two separate bonds. “Financial experts have indicated that this is the best way to go interest-wise, as one bond will be retired in 10 years and the second in 20 years,” Commissioner Michael Mercurio remarked. “Also included is funding to install a new roof, over the apparatus bays at the Headquarters building. The existing structure was constructed in the early 1960s”.

Increased governmental rules and regulations have played a large role in determining needs. “For example,” Commissioner Kempf noted, “today’s regulations stipulate that modern ambulances must carry everything from emergency childbirth supplies to immobilization equipment to safety and lighting equipment to oxygen cylinders. Hundreds of items in total.”

“The requested bonding is the result of years of research, due diligence and consultation with financial, emergency response and architectural experts. We believe this is the most pragmatic and responsible approach to meet the increasing demand, especially as the population ages,” Commissioner George Baxter added. “It’s fiscally sound, beneficial to the entire community, and will protect our EMS personnel and firefighters.”

For more information: Telephone, 631-661-6440

The West Islip Fire Department is dedicated to the preservation of lives and property and the promotion of overall public safety with a full commitment to preparedness, prevention, emergency response and recovery. Our services and our efforts are dedicated to our community at large and characterized by professionalism, integrity, and respect for all individuals. The men and women of the West Islip Fire Department operate with a spirit of teamwork and commitment in accordance with all regulations, standards and the firefighter oath.

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• PHOTO 1: Pictured is West Islip Fire District Commissioner Jeff Kempf
  
• PHOTO 2: Pictured is West Islip Fire District Commissioner Michael Mercurio
  
• PHOTO 3: Pictured is West Islip Fire District Commissioner George Baxter