Muttontown wants to be in loop on fire calls

The Syosset Fire District should keep Muttontown police in the loop when responding to emergencies in the village, Muttontown Mayor Julianne Beckerman told the Syosset district board of fire commissioners at their meeting Tuesday.

Police currently learn about fire emergencies not through communications between the departments but from residents reporting fire engines in their neighborhoods, village officials said.

"We are asking for no more than the same type of communication which was given to the Old Brookville Police Department and is currently given to the Oyster Bay Cove Police Department," Beckerman said.

Giovanni Graceffa, chairman of the Syosset board of fire commissioners, said it was not protocol for his agency to notify local police and said he had no official request from Beckerman to change the protocol.

"What we ask you to do is to put your request formally in writing and we will respond to you," he said.

Graceffa said he was aware only of a short email sent from another fire commissioner to the district's superintendent about Muttontown's concerns.

Several Muttontown officials and residents also attended the fire commissioners' meeting.

Police Chief William McHale said he had hoped "the normal process between police and fire would continue" as the village transitioned from Old Brookville police coverage to its own police force last June.

"We should be able to be of assistance to you in these circumstances," McHale said.

Beckerman said firefighters could call 911 to have local police assistance.

She said after the meeting she would immediately send the requested letter.