The Syosset Fire District recently donated a Ford Expedition, fully equipped to respond to emergency situations, to the Nassau County Auxiliary Police Department's Syosset Unit.

This vehicle will make day-to-day operations of the Syosset force much easier, according to those associated with the auxiliary police. The summer months mean more events for the auxiliary police department to cover. The Memorial Day parade, Long Island Marathon, Rotary Craft Fair and the Syosset Street Fair are just some of the events that the auxiliary police officers are called to patrol in addition to normal daytime and evening patrols.

At this year's Syosset Memorial Day Parade, many residents were able to get their first look at the Auxiliary Police's 'new' marked patrol vehicle. The Syosset Unit of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police now has three vehicles and is capable of safely responding in all types of weather conditions including street flooding, high water and snow.

"The Board of Fire Commissioners determined that this vehicle was no longer necessary for the uses and purposes of the Fire District, but we felt that the Auxiliary Police and in turn the Syosset community could benefit from our transferring this surplus vehicle to the Auxiliaries", said Commissioner and Board Vice-Chairman Frank Vasile. "We greatly appreciate the support our firefighters and EMS providers receive from the Auxiliary Police officers at the scenes of emergencies and other community functions, like parades, and hope this vehicle will help them continue their service to the greater Syosset community."

The generosity from a fellow Syosset entity was greatly received by the auxiliary police. "Nassau County Auxiliary Police units depend on donations from individuals, companies and organizations to operate," said Lieutenant Kevin Meller, commanding officer Syosset - Unit 309. "Here in Syosset we have received very generous donations from the Syosset Fire District. The latest donation is our 2003 Ford Expedition that was put into service at the end of April. This vehicle will enhance our ability to serve the Syosset community. We cannot thank the Syosset Fire District and its Board of Fire Commissioners enough for their generosity."

The Auxiliary Police is always looking for community minded individuals who want to volunteer and take a step forward to help their neighbors, their communities and themselves. To obtain information on joining the Syosset Auxiliary Police or on making a donation, call 522-5369 or go to www.syossetauxiliarypolice.org.