WBAB’s First Responder Fridays

WBAB’s Joe Rock will be recognizing Long Island First Responders every Friday. 

We’re asking YOU to nominate a First Responder and give us the opportunity to shine a light on them and the good work that they do.

Plus, our friends at King O’Rourke Auto Group of Smithtown will show their appreciation with a $100 Visa Gift Card.

Thanks to those serving Long Island and to their families for the sacrifices they make.

Nicholas Correira

Honoree for February 14th, 2020

Nicholas was nominated by his father, Thomas, who said, “Nicholas has been a Firemen for the past 6 years. His dedication to his community and his Department is unsurpassed. He holds both with great honor and respect. The fire department has always been his calling. He holds office as a 1st Lieutenant and one day a Captain. He’s now taking on another challenge to become an EMT. He started school about 2 months ago and loving it. As he tells me, it’s not easy, but it’s another step in helping people in need. It was an Honor for me to give him my badge #26 I'm proud of my Son. When people are having a bad day, they need people like Nick”.

Nicholas, thanks for all you do for the community. King O’Rourke Auto Group of Smithtown is showing their appreciation for your dedication by awarding a $100 Visa gift card.

Robert Connolly

Honoree for February 7th, 2020

Rob Connolly is a Sergeant in the Nassau County Police Department. He spent 11 years on Patrol in the Third Precinct before promoting to Sergeant in 2015 as a Patrol Supervisor in the Fifth Precinct. In 2016 Sgt. Connolly was assigned to NCPD Homeland Security. The unit liaisons with multiple law enforcement agencies and provides training to many organizations including schools, houses of worship and public safety partners in the Fire Service.

On Wednesday May 2, 2019 Sergeant Robert Connolly was off duty returning home after facilitating a table top exercise on Active Shooter for the Fire Service. Sgt. Connolly monitored a radio call for an unknown problem with a caller requesting the police in New Hyde Park. The caller stated she was just attacked and the subject had a gun on him and thinks subject is coming to her house.

Sgt. Connolly was in the vicinity and began canvassing the area for the subject. Sgt. Connolly observed a vehicle matching that description. As the vehicle approached the scene they abruptly made a U-turn and attempted to drive away from the location. Sgt. Connolly initiated a car stop, requested uniform assistance and maintained the subjects in the vehicle until backup arrived. Two male subjects were removed from the vehicle and a loaded revolver was recovered.

Sgt. Connolly did initiate the traffic stop with knowledge of the risk that this subject was in possession of a firearm. As a result of Sgt. Connolly’s action, a loaded firearm was recovered and two criminal cases were closed.

Service is a passion for Robert Connolly. He is a 30-year volunteer in the Mineola Fire Department. He served as a line officer in Truck Company Two and advanced to Chief of Department from 2009-2011. Chief Connolly returned to the Chiefs office in 2015 and is currently Chief of Department for the second time.

Robert, thanks for all you do for the community. King O’Rourke Auto Group of Smithtown is showing their appreciation for your dedication by awarding a $100 Visa gift card.

Veronica Urbom

Honoree for January 31st, 2020

Veronica was nominated by her friend, Dezirae, who said, “Veronica has been in EMS for about 5 years and recently finished the Paramedic program at Stony Brook University. She is a former member of Stony Brook Volunteer Ambulance Company and works as a paramedic at multiple agencies all over the county. Veronica is one of the best providers that I have ever had the joy of working with. She is always willing to learn from those with more experience and teach those who want to learn. Her passion for this field has helped countless people and her drive to do better never goes away”.

Veronica, thanks for all you do for the community. King O’Rourke Auto Group of Smithtown is showing their appreciation for your dedication by awarding a $100 Visa gift card.

Tara Korwan

Honoree for January 24th, 2020

Tara was nominated by her mother, Sharon Korwan, who said, “My beautiful daughter Tara Korwan joined Wantagh Levittown Volunteer Ambulance Corp in 2013. She became a certified EMT in March 2014 and was recognized as BLS Provider of the Year. She is now a certified EMT-CC and is employed by NYS as an EMT at Jones Beach. She has comforted and cared for the young and the old and has many Narcan and CPR saves. She is loved by her patients and her colleagues. She is an inspiration to us all by her never-ending desire to help people, even when not on duty. She is actively interviewing for medical school!”

Tara, thanks for all you do for the community. King O’Rourke Auto Group of Smithtown is showing their appreciation for your dedication by awarding a $100 Visa gift card.

George Day

Honoree for January 17th, 2020

George was nominated by his ex partner, James Fullerton, who said, “George Day is the Nassau County Police Officer that was struck and almost killed last July while on duty on his departmental Motorcycle. George is one of the nicest guys in world and an amazing police officer. George graduated Uniondale High School and returned there as a School Resource Officer to work with the kids of that community before going to the Highway Patrol. You will never find anyone to say a bad word against him as he is a true gentlemen, great husband and father. There is no doubt that he should be the only pick for this".

George thanks for all you do for the community. King O’Rourke Auto Group of Smithtown is showing their appreciation for your dedication by awarding a $100 Visa gift card.

Chris Innace

Honoree for January 10th, 2020

Chris was nominated by his co-worker, Jethro, who said, “A former 9 year veteran of the NYPD, he is currently in his 11th year working for the Nassau County Police Department as a Police Officer Director for the Police Activity League. His hard work and dedication to the Unit has led to the implementation of the Islanders Street Hockey program, increased participation numbers, organizing special events, community outreach and forging positive interaction between the Police Department's Officers and the Nassau County residents, upholding the PAL's motto of "It Is Better To Build Youth Than Mend Adults".

Christopher, thanks for all you do for the community!

You can see some pictures of Chris with kids from the Police Athletic League and more below.

Christopher Focazio

Honoree for January 3rd, 2020

Christopher was nominated by his wife, Laura, who said, “Chris was in the Elmont Fire Department and now is in Massapequa Fire Department. He gives of himself selflessly and with pride every day in the fire service. His family is proud of him, his achievements, and his community service”.

Christopher, thanks for all you do for the community!

Shannon Orlik

Honoree for December 27th, 2019

Shannon was nominated by her husband, Chris, who said, “Shannon lives a life of service. She currently volunteers as an EMT for Bay Shore-Brightwaters Rescue Ambulance and serves as the company secretary. She has been volunteering with BSBRA for the 3 years. She also works at Nassau BOCCES as a teachers assistant, working with special needs children”.

Shannon, thanks for all you do for the community!

Joe Dimmagio

Honoree for December 20th, 2019

Joe was nominated by his brother-in-law, Michael, who said, “I think my brother-in-law Joe Dimmagio should be honored because he helped me get on the force 15 years ago and we are the only 2 in our family to serve the NYPD. My brother-in-law got on 2001 and was deployed out of the academy to assist after the attacks of 9/11 helping those who survived and administer medical aid, after that he was sent to the 105 precinct in Queens Village and did about 17 plus years of dedicated patrol there helping the community, he most recently got on the evidence collection team and hopes to retire there in a couple years. He is a good family man and like a real brother to me, he would give his shirt off his back for you and is one of the most caring, selfless people I know and just an all-around good guy! Whenever we see each other we swap stories about the job that we have encountered. And he continues to be a mentor and inspiration to me as I follow in his footsteps”.

Joe, thanks for all you do for the community!

Andrew Isolano

Honoree for December 13th, 2019

Andrew was nominated by his mother, Christine, who said, “My son Andrew is a Paramedic at Stony Brook Hospital. He was chosen to be on the new Suffolk County mobile stroke unit. He worked his way from basic EMT and met his goal to be a paramedic. He has worked for multiple agencies and has saved many lives. I’m SO proud of him and all his hard work helping others”.

Andrew, thanks for all you do for the community!

Michael Matteo Jr.

Honoree for December 6th, 2019

Michael was nominated by his son, Michael III, who said, “I am nominating my father Ex-Chief Michael Matteo Jr of the Selden FD, and he is also a Brookhaven Town Senior Fire Marshal. In over 35 years of service he has devoted himself to helping his community. He has served as a FF/EMT and still responds to emergencies daily. He serves as a mentor and instructor to new members of the department and has and continues to be an outstanding example of what the volunteer service truly stands for”.

Michael, thanks for all you do for the community!

Thomas Young

Honoree for November 29th, 2019

Thomas was nominated by his stepdaughter, Alyssamarie, who said, “Tom is one of the most dedicated first responders I know. After 12 years in the police department he became a FDNY firefighter. He was injured in the line of duty when he fell through three stories of a home. He was on the ground searching for survivors at ground zero, a day in which he lost many friends, and has since retired from the FDNY. He is now Chief of local Terryville department and devoted much of his time to voluntarily serving his community. No matter what the occasion, when the pager goes off he is there”.

Thomas, thanks for all you do for the community!

Nicole Morelli

Honoree for November 22nd, 2019

Nicole was nominated by her mother, Roseann, who said, “Nicole, AKA Nikki joined the Bellmore Merrick Rescue squad at 17 years old. She trained to be an EMS and continues on to be an EMT. She efforts earned her the rank of Lieutenant. As a Lieutenant her team made the first Narcan save in Nassau County on 3/25/2015. She has since saved many lives, and delivered numerous babies. Her "no one dies on my watch" attitude is nothing short of amazing. If the bells should toll just as her shift ends she will jump in an ambulance even if she has to put her uniform back on while she drives. In addition to her years as a volunteer, she works for a private ambulance company in Freeport. She has received several awards and citations for her tireless efforts. Every day as she heads off to work with her positive attitude, friendly disposition, and warm smile, I know every patient in her care will get 110%. She makes her family and friends very proud to know this very special woman”.

Nicole, thanks for all you do for the community!

Thomas Reid

Honoree for November 16th, 2019

Thomas was nominated by his girlfriend, Alyssa, who said, “Thomas is a dedicated EMS First Responder who gives back to his community as much as he can. He is a LT. of Seaford Fire Dept. and works 3 EMS jobs. Thomas works hard to make a difference in his community because he suffers from CF and knows what it's like to need someone in a medical crisis. I couldn't think of anyone more deserving than him”.

Thomas, thanks for all you do for the community!

John Jex

Honoree for November 8th, 2019

Suffolk County First Precinct Police Officer John Jex was recognized by Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone and Suffolk County Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart during a press conference on October 30th for defusing a situation with a person in crisis utilizing skills obtained during a recently completed Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training program.

The CIT training program has become a nationally recognized model for safely and effectively assisting people with mental and substance use disorders. CIT training consists of members of law enforcement, mental health providers and advocates, and emergency services personnel who provide officers with knowledge, skills and support necessary to de-escalate crisis situations and then divert individuals suffering from mental illness from the criminal justice system when appropriate.

Officer John Jex responded to Federation of Organizations Administration Office in West Babylon, a multi-service social service agency, after one of their clients, who was off medication and intoxicated, was yelling and punching the security glass during a dispute. Officer Jex put his five-day CIT training to use and ensured the staff, responding officers and the individual remained safe.

John, thanks for all you do for the community!

Francis McKay

Honoree for November 1st, 2019

Suffolk County Police Officer Francis McKay, on the day of his two-year anniversary with the SCPD First Precinct, rescued a disabled North Babylon man from his burning home. Officer McKay was at a nearby scene when he heard the 911 call of a house fire on Woods Road in North Babylon at approximately 3:10 p.m. When Officer McKay arrived on scene, Suffolk County crossing guard Sharon Doogan flagged him down and told him there was a man in a wheelchair on the second floor of the home amidst smoke and flames.

Officer McKay entered the home and saw Michael Goldstein at the top of the stairs unable to get down by himself. Two good Samaritans were attempting to help him down when Officer McKay grabbed Goldstein and brought him down the stairs. Officer McKay then put Goldstein in a wheelchair and escorted him safely out of the residence. Doogan, who entered the home prior, was treated for smoke inhalation at the scene. Goldstein, his wife Lily, Officer McKay, and the two good Samaritans were not injured.

Francis, thanks for all you do for the community!

Caleb Giordano

Honoree for October 25th, 2019

Caleb was nominated by his friend, Anthony, who said, “As a volunteer EMT and firefighter Caleb has gone above and beyond the call of action. Caleb is faced with a difficulty many of us are not, he has one leg. As a fellow First Responder and his best friend, I believe he deserves a shout out on your show due to the things he’s endured in life and how he still pursues to help others in their time of need, while facing a challenge of his own”.

Caleb, thanks for all you do for the community!

Harry Parrish

Honoree for October 18th, 2019

Harry was nominated by his friend, Lisa, who said, “Harry is a caring and giving person who does so much for so many and never even mentions all the good things he does. A few years back when my family was going through tough times he arranged for a visit from "santa" with gifts for my boys who otherwise would have had a bleak holiday. He also pulled strings and moved mountains to get a dunk tank filled for my son who has Autism for his "gradulation" party. He has saved countless lives and helped so many more. Harry is an Ex Captain in the Selden Fd”.

Harry, thanks for all you do for the community! As a small way of saying thanks, you’ll receive a 4 Pack of Passes for HersheyPark In The Dark.

Gina Hagemeyer

Honoree for October 11th, 2019

Gina was nominated by her friend, Gino, who said, “This woman gives back to the community as much as possible. Volunteers at 3 different ambulances, North Babylon, Bayshore, Brentwood. Takes on any issues, and still as a single mom raising three children, which also had daughter and future husband both volunteer at Brentwood ambulance. Over 10 years of dedicated service”.

Gina, thanks for all you do for the community! As a small way of saying thanks, you’ll receive a 4 Pack of Passes for HersheyPark In The Dark.

Christian Vidal

Honoree for October 4th, 2019

Suffolk County Police Officer Christian Vidal, who was injured in an on-duty motor vehicle crash, was a member of NYPD and in the U.S. Armed Forces, having served three tours in Iraq, prior to joining SCPD. He is currently in the reserves. Officer Vidal was driving northbound on Fifth Avenue in Bay Shore when a southbound vehicle veered into the northbound lanes and struck the officer’s marked police vehicle head-on on September 1. The driver, who was intoxicated, was killed. Officer Vidal was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital with a pelvic fracture and a hip dislocation. He also suffered a ruptured aorta. Officer Vidal developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) due to trauma and was on life support for a prolonged period in an extremely critical condition.

Officer Vidal has been released from the hospital and transported to a rehabilitation facility. We wish him well.

Christian, thanks for all you do for the community!

Rory Allen

Honoree for September 27th, 2019

Rory was nominated by his brother, Dermot, who said, “Rory works for the FDNY on Fireboat Marine 6. He recently rescued a guy in the East River. (See video below) He is the hardest working guy I know. Always concerned about others. Although his schedule is crazy busy he always finds time to help my sister care for our aging parents. He is a man among men and has a heart of gold. He is my hero everyday”. Rory wanted the whole Marine 6 Unit to be recognized.

Rory, thanks for all you do for the community!

Frank Libretto

Honoree for September 20th, 2019

Frank was nominated by his sister, Jolene, who said, “My brother deserves to honored because a stroke caused him to leave the NYPD after 26 years as Sergeant Detective Squad Commander, a job he took pride in. Now he volunteers his time as an Emergency Medical Technician for the Wantagh Fire Dept. and operates the NYS Highway Emergency Local Patrol Truck each afternoon to help stranded motorist. As a single mother to a 3 year old boy, he's my "first responder" when I need him to pick up my son from preschool and overall serves as a strong male role model to his nephew”.

Frank, thanks for all you do for the community!

Jason Schwartz

Honoree for September 13th, 2019

Jason was nominated by past honoree, Joseph Collora, who said, “Jason became very sick while in the job with cancer. He still found a way to cope with it while still working. He overcame his cancer and is still an active NYPD Detective. Jason worked in the 77th Precinct assigned to the anti crime team where he removed numbers of illegal guns off the streets of NYC. Jason also solved several murder cases as a Detective along with solving over 100 robbery cases. As a former Friday First Responder I believe, he deserves to be a Friday First Responder”.

Jason, thanks for all you do for the community!

Will McGuire

Honoree for September 6th, 2019

Will was nominated by his friend, Katie, who said, “William McGuire is a native of Long Island and has been a Volunteer Firefighter in the Mineola Fire Department for 27 years. He started The Global Foundation for First Responders in 2015 after witnessing the ever-increasing needs of families of first responders first hand. The foundation was formed and began raising money to support families of first responders who lost their lives saving others in the line of duty. It became his passion to give back to all that serve leading to the development of the Foundation and its mission. Since its inception, the foundation has raised over $400,000.00 to help serve the first responder community. McGuire is also the President and CEO of Global Elite Group, an international security company headquartered in Garden City, serving the needs of the aviation safety industry, event management and property security for companies worldwide”.

Will, thanks for all you do for the community!

Jimmy Hogan

Honoree for August 30th, 2019

Jimmy was nominated by his friend, Bryan, who said, “Jimmy Hogan was captain of Engine Company 1 for the South Farmingdale Fire Dept for many years. He also served as First Deputy Chief of the department. He has trained and mentored many junior fire fighters to include one who went on to join the FDNY. He is a valuable asset to this department and the community he serves. Today, we salute you Ex Captain Jimmy Hogan”.

Jimmy, thanks for all you do for the community!

Allison DesJardin

Honoree for August 23rd, 2019

Allison was nominated by her friend, Joe, who said, “Allison is a member of Lindenhurst Breslau Engine Company as well as a full time EMT, all while attending Stony Brook University to obtain her nursing degree. Allison is one of the few women to ever be in Breslau engine company since their opening in 1877. She is dedicated to being a First Responder and helping people in all aspects of her life. She is hardworking and devoted to all that she does. As soon as she gets a call, she is ready to go and ready to help. She deserves recognition for all her hard work and to making the world a better place. Thank you for all the late nights and countless hours of dedication”.

Allison, thanks for all you do for the community!

Peter Russo

Honoree for August 16th, 2019

Peter was nominated by his wife, Sixta, who said, “My husband is a 16 year veteran with the NYPD. He’s been honored several times throughout his career and as of late the awarded the American Legion Award for bravery and saving two lives. He’s a dedicated cop, an amazing husband, a great dad. He deserves your recognition because he is selfless and have dedicated his life to serve the community and protect the city. His bravery is unparalleled. On Dec 20, 2014, my husband was the first officer on the scene to respond to the shooting of Officer Ramos and Officer Liu who were shot dead by an assailant while sitting in their car. He provided first aid to Officer Ramos who later died in his arms. He has witnessed many tragedies, saved many lives and stopped many crimes. Proud to call him my husband, my best friend and the father of my son. Pete is also a NYPD Field Training Officer who mentors new recruits and trains them on penal law, community policing, tactics, as well procedures and how to act in a professional manner. On numerous evaluations, Peter has been referred to as the go to guy. This is to make sure everything goes right, handled professionally, and the situation is handled properly.

This is why I feel my husband Peter deserves this honor”.

Peter, thanks for all you do for the community!

Skylar Ramoska

Honoree for August 9th, 2019

Skylar was nominated by her friend, Kasey, who said, “Skylar is outstanding. She is a volunteer EMT for Medford, a working EMT for both Ronkonkoma FD and EAS, and works in a medical office. Skylar is the first person to jump in to action when someone is in need. And she does it all without asking for anything in return. As an EMT myself I know how hard this field could be and I know she is going to go the distance!”

Skylar, thanks for all you do for the community!

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