Newsday's "Fire Alarm" series prompted more than 1,100 e-mails, letters and telephone calls. The majority were critical of the eight-day series, with many characterizing it as an attack on volunteer firefighters. But a significant number praised the project as a comprehensive report on the costs and the quality of service provided by Long Island fire agencies. Here is a sampling of the responses:

They're worth it
I think that the writers of this series have never experienced a fire in their home. Yes, the volunteer firefighters get numerous perks - BUT, if there was a fire in my house, and they pulled out one of my family members who otherwise would not have survived, I think that is definitely worth a trip to the Bahamas, and more! This article is a waste of space!
Christine Origlia, Malverne

Give them the best
I am a 50-year member of the Albertson Fire Co. Do you realize how many hours, days, weeks of time I gave with nothing in return? The perks that you are talking about really don't mean anything. The equipment we have is the best and it is a shame that the New York City Fire Department doesn't have it. My son and son-in-law are NYC firemen and I also lost a son-in-law on 9/11 at the Twin Towers. [Robert Foti, member of Truck 7-FF.] Maybe if they had some of our equipment, he would be here today. Give the firemen the best because they lay their lives on the line for you.
Doug Diem, Viera, Fla.

Abuse is disgusting
As a fire service volunteer for the past six years, I can wholeheartedly agree with what Newsday is saying about the fire service on Long Island. The abuse and misuse of funds is disgusting and the waste is abominable. We do work very hard doing what we do and some rewards are justifiable. I refuse to partake in any trip that I do not pay for myself. I do not want the taxpayers of my town to pay for my freebies. I serve because I want to and not for handouts. Each department receives millions of dollars a year in order to cover operating costs. Are free trips part of their yearly costs? You bet they are! Although I love the fire service, things must change within it.
Talia Storch, Levittown

Handouts a disgrace
These handouts at the expense of hard working taxpayers are a disgrace and I hope it stops. These men volunteer to do this job and they should not receive such perks.
Brian Banks, Massapequa Park

Not wasteful
I am 18 years old and a volunteer firefighter in Farmingville. I find it very offensive to hear all the negative remarks you have to say about firefighters. Until you are willing to dedicate your time in the middle of the night to extinguish a fire or save a victim of cardiac arrest then you should not misjudge and influence the public to believe that we are wasteful or careless.
Elyse Velardi, Farmingville

Shocked by coverage
Has enough time elapsed since September 11th that we are now taking our firefighters for granted? I am shocked and outraged by Newsday's coverage of our undervalued volunteer fire departments. As the future wife of a volunteer firefighter I cannot fathom how people take their services for granted. Our family members are running out of our homes at all hours to help you, no questions asked! How can you put a price tag on that?
Melissa Minutaglio, Port Jefferson

Teach fire safety
If one of my FDNY firefighters was venting a roof without a helmet or gloves as shown in Newsday's Sunday article, both he and I would be up on departmental charges. Maybe money would be better spent by some of these volunteer fire departments on teaching safety than on unneeded elaborate fire equipment.
Bob Paresi, New Hyde Park (Retired FDNY Captain)

Don't knock them
I have been a firefighter in Nassau and Suffolk counties, and I am now a firefighter in Tennessee. As long as I can remember, Newsday loved to dig dirt about the Long Island fire service. Why don't you people be proud of the service you get from the men and women of fire and EMS? While you're sleeping, they are out in any kind of weather. When they're cold, you're in your warm house. When they are soaked, you're dry. You knock the volunteer service and the $7.7 million fire house. Think of it like this: what if volunteers did not volunteer? Who would be there for you and your loved ones in their time of need?
Victor Accurso Sr., Hixson, Tenn.

Tools are needed
Just because training is held on a cruise ship doesn't mean it was an unnecessary trip. If all fire departments are supposed to expand beyond the scope of firefighting to include EMS, chemical spills and any other mission that comes up, we don't always get to pick where the training is held. Yes, the trucks are expensive and may have more than what the non-firefighter thinks is necessary. But the fire service is all about the thought that it is better to have a tool and to not need it than to need a tool and not have it.
Doug Hesson, Paducah, Ky.

Appalled by perks
I just finished the Wednesday article about the 'perks' in the fire Departments; I am so outraged and appalled. I am the daughter of a 50-year volunteer ex-Chief, and in his day the only perk was getting a red chief's car when you made chief, which he used only on official business. The current firehouses are equipped with swimming pools, workout rooms, flat-screen TVs. What do all of these have to do with helping keep the community safe? I see it as greed and gluttony because they can, and no one will know since how many people have access to firehouses? This new generation of firemen are in it for what they can get for themselves and have formed an elite boys club with, it seems, the attitude that he who has all the toys wins. Whatever happened to doing the right thing?
Janice Fremolaro, Ridge

Motivated to help
As a trained EMT volunteer, and an applicant to the North Patchogue Fire Department, I can say that what motivates all of us is our innate desire to help others. As my daughter says, "I'm glad someone can do these rescue operations." I am glad I have the opportunity to be a volunteer. I did it, and would do it, without the 'perks' mentioned in your articles. I found your articles to be generally informative and balanced, allowing the readers to see many aspects of firefighting and emergency work. The balance tips, I am sure, in favor of the benefits of having the most devoted volunteers ready to risk their lives and give of their time because it is their calling.
Paula Palatnik-Balaban, East Patchogue

A mother sighs
If you listen closely, you can hear my sighs -- the sighs of a mother of a volunteer fireman. He is just 22 years old and every time that darn radio goes off I sigh. His benefits: Pay -- $0. Health -- $0. Vacation time -- 0. And how about those extra perks: Burns on his knees from the heat of a fire. Crawling under a house on fire because a homeless person may be there. Entering a house where some fool is storing combustible material in his basement. Oh, let us not forget the parades: Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Labor Day parades where his father and I watch from a corner surrounded by -- nobody.
Rita Cobian, Oceanside

They earn it
When a man/woman joins the fire department, they are putting their lives on the line. God forbid something happens. It takes ONE fire. I don't care if these guys/gals sit on their butts all day long in their free time. If they go on one fire a year, they have earned every single blessed thing they get. These folks are not paid, so stop complaining. Do you worry about something that happens at the airport, like a chemical or hazardous substance situation? Well, they do. And they are prepared to save your butt.
Veronica Mayo, Holbrook

Thanks for report
Thank you for taking the incredible amount of time and effort it took to put together the Long Island fire district series. My community, Fairway Woods, has been trying to untangle this web for close to a year. We are the poster child fire district for the inevitable reform and consolidation movement that needs to take place, if we don't want to continue driving everyone off of Long Island because of unaffordable taxes! Our development, although located in Yaphank on the map, unfortunately falls within the Gordon Heights fire boundary district. I say unfortunately because Gordon Heights is one of the smallest (1.7 miles) territories. It has no commercial property to absorb costs, and feels the need to keep up with other surrounding districts in terms of equipment, convention travel, expensive installation dinners, etc. Our development is faced with fire tax bills ranging up to $2,400 -- that is more than some residents in other states pay for their entire property tax! The four large, surrounding districts could easily absorb the Gordon Heights Fire District, thereby eliminating a lot of duplicative and wasteful spending that is heavily burdening the residents who fall within this fire district boundary. We can't thank you enough for bringing our situation to light! Liz Moore and your staff did an excellent job!
Gina Previte, Yaphank

Volunteers needed
As a proud volunteer firefighter and EMT for two separate volunteer departments, I can say, yes, it is very difficult to staff our trucks in recent years as compared to the past. But I think if people were really concerned about staffing of their departments, [they could] come down and join to see what kind of dedication it takes to serve our communities. I also would like to commend the volunteers on the Island, many whom need to work two full-time jobs just to survive, and still dedicate their time and services to their neighbors. If you look on the rosters of most departments they show a large percentage of membership above the age of 30, merely because most people ages 18-24 simply cannot afford to live here, so we are losing potential members.
Joel Orr

Departments grew
Liz Moore has failed to tell the whole story in some of her reports. Years ago, when towns were smaller and less populated and the average building was no more than two stories tall, fire equipment was just the basic truck, ladder and hose. Firefighting equipment needs to grow with the community's needs and demands. No longer is the average a two-story building and a scarcely populated town. They have grown to booming industrial zones and 200,000 sq. ft. stores. Our 24 x 36 ft. ground ladders are no longer sufficient to handle these situations -- thus leading to a tower ladder. Trucks need to be better equipped, with larger water tanks and modern firefighting equipment. Rescue trucks need to be equipped with the most up-to-date life-saving tools, leading to a larger fire station to store this modern apparatus.
Dan Martinez, Medford

Glad about equipment
These articles are an attack on a vital service. Since the majority of the structures on Long Island are made of wood framing and can burn quickly, I am glad we have an abundance of machinery that can come to my rescue. I won't even mention the medical assistance these firehouses provide. I sincerely hope [the Newsday staff] will never need these services. Shame on all of you.
Barbara Gould, Deer Park

Lacking the big toys
I'm a volunteer fireman for Valley Stream, and I agree that the mega-firehouse is out of control. My problem is that most people think all fire departments are the same -- that they all have money to spend. A lot of fire departments are not part of a district, but are part of a village. That means we have to get our money from the village instead of taxing the people. We don't get the expensive toys, the big firehouses or the million-dollar trucks.
Vin Lam, Valley Stream

On the money
I hope the public can distinguish between these fire companies and the Wantagh-Levittown Volunteer Ambulance Corps -- the reason being is that we are in our fund drive right now and we have no affiliations with any fire department. Newsday should see how we maintain two ambulances and a headquarters in dire need of repair, with no tax dollars and only the kindness of our fellow residents. Our donations go solely to the operations of the corps and one annual installation dinner. Thanks, and your articles are without a doubt, right on the money.
Mike Kuber, Farmingdale

Perks are pathetic
Having been an EMS volunteer for 15 years I find the comments made by some of the volunteers in your story appalling. I never received anything more than tee shirts, baseball caps and jackets in that time. I think that these 'perks' that some of the chiefs and commissioners are receiving is pathetic and penalties should be paid. The overall quality of care received by residents on Long Island is sub-standard in comparison to other EMS systems in the country. A fancy truck or lavish firehouse doesn't promote good pre-hospital care in an emergency. Well trained paramedics, EMTs and firefighters with fast response times are what saves lives. There is a misconception that a volunteer system is saving the residents here on Long Island money on taxes but I believe that is, and has been, a fallacy for a long time. An all-paid system with benefits, in my opinion, would be less expensive, providing there were a central governing body running a system and not each individual district making there own spending decisions.
Chris Utano, Hauppague

Don't indict all
When the story of the theft in the Roslyn school district came to light, the few people at the top who were involved were indicted. Your newspaper ran the story, but did not blame the thousands of school teachers on Long Island who worked honestly and correctly. Why, then, are you indicting an entire system for abuses that a very few in some departments may enjoy? The vast majority of us in the volunteer fire service do not attend wild parties, do not vacation on taxpayer's money and do not get cashmere suits. When a fishing trip or a golf outing is planned in our department, it is the individual members who foot the bill. If I want to attend a conference, I am asked to pay my own way, and that includes entrance fees. Your articles have done a great disservice to those of us who desire only to make our community a better place in which to live.
Steven Bernstein, Wantagh

Worthy of trash pile
In briefly reading the Newsday attacks on the Volunteer Fire Service, I must actually say that a newspaper I used to enjoy reading is now worthy of the trash pile. To start with, the Volunteer Fire Service is just that: volunteer. In many instances members leave their families in snow storms, family holidays and national tragedies such as 9/11 for hours or days at a time. As a former member I can tell you first hand what goes into running a department. Vehicles have to be maintained, equipment serviced and updated and members trained. We all do this for free and I am remiss to think that Newsday feels second-rate is good for all of our brothers. We deserve the best equipment, training and vehicles. Safety of our own is still paramount along with the safety of the community. Instead of griping over dollars to save people's lives, perhaps Newsday should take up a more noble cause like why LI property taxes are so high or why the Real Estate market has priced many young potential volunteers away to other areas of the country.
Morgan J. Goldman, NYC

Praise for volunteers
Having read the first three installments, I get the sense that there is a negative slant to the series. It's certainly not a perfect world and some trucks may be a bit more elaborate than need be, but overall these volunteers do a great job.
Bill Emmel, Floral Park

Consider the territory
Long Island is not one city or village or town like New York or Los Angeles. Look at the square miles. New York City has 309 sq. miles with 347 trucks, slightly more than one truck per square mile. Nassau and Suffolk counties have 1,199 sq. miles and 1,029 trucks, slightly fewer than one truck per square mile. Does the phrase "yellow journalism" sound familiar?
Richard Dellacona, Westbury. (Dellacona is a former Westbury fire chief)

Bad blood with FDNY
I hate to say it, but it's a good story (so far). One problem that I've noticed is that you are using many quotes from members of the FDNY. To complete this story you should also mention the bad blood between the FDNY and Volunteers, because without that, the Volunteers and their supporters will just label this as a (paid-for) pro-FDNY article. You've done a lot of good work and I agree with your story line. I just hope something good comes from it.
John Veneroni, Carle Place

Don't attack LIers
Mr. Editor: You people wonder why circulation is down? You attack the very people of Long Island -- the cops, firemen and school teachers. That's what you should learn from the Daily News. They put their cops and firemen on pedestals. Just from talking to friends and neighbors, I can tell you already that next year you will be down even more. Get with it. Love Long Island or leave it.
Nick Graziano, Lake Grove

Response question
Newsday's in-depth study of Long Island's volunteer fire departments makes me wonder what the current response time would be to a possible fire at 235 Pinelawn Road [Newsday's headquarters]. Hmmmm.
Betty Tiska, Syosset Let me see if I have this right. It's not school budget season, so you can't do your annual teacher bashing. Elections are over, so no more kicking local politicos. Didn't you recently rip into police for salaries and overtime? I guess you figured firefighters were due for Newsday's brand of "shame on you." As long as there are dedicated people willing to accept the responsibility that these firefighters do, why shouldn't they have the best of equipment and buildings? I doubt that the Newsday facility in Melville is totally without its "creature comforts."
Richard Rubin
Lake Grove

Just because training is held on a cruise ship doesn't mean that it was an unnecessary trip.If all fire departments are supposed to expand beyond the scope of firefighting to include EMS,chemical spills,and any other mission that comes up,we don't always get to pick where the training is held or the venue in which it is conducted.

Yes,the trucks are expensive and may have more than what the non firefighter thinks is necessary.But the fire service is all about the thought that it is better to have a tool and to not need it than to need a tool and not have it.

You might need to take a master stream device off the turck once in five years.But when you are able to do so,you are glad that it was specified to be on the truck against its possible need in the future.

I think that volunteer organizations should be audited by NYS to make sure their non essential expenses are reasonable and appropriate. I personally believe that each FD should be equipt with an call area which has area for quiet time or sleep, exercise equipment, showers, kitchen, TV(Cablevision provids free hook up and basic to all FD), and internet access so members can bring their laptop and study or work, basic food supplies and water and soda. Additionally, I believe volunteers should have property tax relief, pensions, Paid insurance, tuition assistance to state schools, free uniforms(not unlimited), family style picnic or fun night.

I do not believe that FDs should stock or serve in the House alcohol of any kind. I do not believe in all expense paid conferences, vacations, and annual parties. Conference reimbursement should be allowed for top officers and the head commissioner. If others wish to go they pay(after all these expenses can be tax deductible on personal taxes).

There is so much more to say on this but I think you get the sense of my feelings. I highly respect and honor these volunteers and know that they do a valuable job for the communities they serve. It is my feeling that the rank and file members do not generally take advantage but more and more officers and commissioners seem to feel that they are owed for their service. Perhaps they should look up "volunteer" in the dictionary.

First supporting the illegal immigrants now bashing Long Islands Bravest. I just dont get it. So the guys and gals have a place to stay in shape and have a beer after saving Melville head quarters from burning down, or cutting a newsday reporter from a car wreck on the LIE. These firefighters never get any respect until its you that needs them. I am sure you hope they have the best equipment if its you in danger. Maybe if all the illegal immigrants payed their share of taxes it would be al little less of a burden on everyone else. Why don't you report on how much it would cost tax payers if every department was to be paid by the towns or counties and not be volunteers. These firefighters risk their life everyday for me, YOU, AND YOUR CHILDREN. If someone was putting their life on the line for me I dont thin it would be wise to ridicule them let alone put 8 days of it on a wrap around section of your paper. Your disrespect makes me sick. God help me if I ever buy another newsday again.

I guess the firefighters now know how the teachers feel after being trashed by Newsday's latest atttempt to become the Post-Enquirer. I can't wait for the expose on overpaid, underworked newspaper reporters. Must be a great gig writing one composition per day and getting pay and perks. My 15-year old daughter writes more for her European History homework than many of your reporters do, on a daily basis. Or am I oversimplifying the matter?!

I would like to have a say about the FIREMAN story the other day. You know when a man/woman joins the fire department they are putting their lives on the line. They do this with their hearts and souls. God forbid something happens. What happens to - them first, their families, parents, sisters, brothers and all their loved ones, how many lives will be affected if GOD FORBID something happens. It takes ONE fire... I don't care if these guys/gals sit there on butts ALL day long in their free time. If they go on ONE fire a year... (which they don't) they have earned every single blessed thing they get. These folks are not paid... .So stop complaining. They get up three and four times night, whether it's raining, snowing or what inclement weather is handed to us... . They go through training constantly. Do you worry about if something happens at the airport? Like a chemical or hazardous substance situation???. WELL THEY DO... And they are prepared to save your butt.

Yeah, you are sleeping nice and comfortable... .Not worrying. Only complaining about what they get. ARE YOU KIDDING ME. I am the mother of a firefighter. I worry sick... .That's MY son out there... . I wait until he returns home from each and every alarm that sounds. I HEAR THE ALARM GO OFF IN HIS ROOM... .. So go to sleep rest easy my dears you are in good hands... Stop your dreaming about how to complain on what a firefight gets. You have no idea what they are owed. Remember this is a calling. There is something in them that make them VOLUNTEER. To help people... .I tried to keep out of the fire department, believe me... So the next time you want to complain about the new this or new that. THANK GOD they have the trucks and new equipment That's my SON on that truck my dear... ..What would you do without them. ????? Remember that ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... God Bless All the Firefighters in all districts... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... And Thank you... .I for one am very grateful... .

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