SUN – VET ENGINE CO. #127
Holbrook Fire Department
During the late 1960’s and early 1970’s the Holbrook community began to expand with new housing developments and increased commercial and industrial businesses. Considering that all Holbrook Fire Department vehicles still responded from the Terry Blvd. fire house only, the Commissioners began to look toward an expansion of the Fire Department also. In 1973 Station One on Church Street and Station Two on Patchogue-Holbrook Road opened. The fire houses were manned by any of the members who lived close enough to respond to them. The Holbrook Fire Department was still organized into only two companies, Jupiter and Lightning, even though the District was divided into three fire houses. The members who regularly responded to the outlying houses formed a closer bond than with those who responded to the main house. They responded to all alarms as a group, many times without officers on board. This led to a strong desire to form their own Fire companies with their own officers. After almost 7 years of discussion and negotiation by Rich Erario, Pete Keller and Tom Smith, Sun-Vet Engine Co. 127 and Eagle Engine Co. 2 were formed in April 1985 consisting of the members who lived in the immediate response area of each Station.
Sun-Vet Engine Company #127 was named for its proximity to the intersection of Sunrise Hwy. and Veteran’s Memorial Hwy. The #127 was taken as a sign of respect for Lightning Engine Co. #1 and Jupiter #27 since all of the members of this new Engine Company came from one of these two original companies. All too often the members of Sun-Vet lived up to their nickname, “the Black Sheep.” The first Captain was Thomas Civale and his Lieutenant was George Christensen Jr. Both very active young firefighters who were charged with building and developing Sun-Vet into a strong enough fire company to survive. This was not an easy task as there were few members who actually lived in the Station One response area. In addition to ensuring that the engines got out to all alarms, keeping all the members trained with hands on drills every weekend, they ran a continuous recruitment program while trying to keep the interest of the members they had already. Although difficult, they both providing the energy, love of the Holbrook Fire Department and a strong commitment to the community that helped Sun-Vet Engine Company #127 to develop into a strong asset to the Department and the community.
Sun-Vet responded to numerous alarms during Captain Civale’s tenure, but one of the most notable was a mutual aid call to the Sayville Fire Department. Holbrook was called to assist Sayville at the Shoreham Club, a day camp consisting of several old multi-storied wood frame buildings several of which were on fire. Water supply was at a premium. Upon arrival of Engine 1, under command of Captain Civale, they were directed to set up a drafting operation from the Great South Bay at the foot of Foster Ave. Considering how little opportunity there was for anyone from Holbrook to draft for a water supply, this was certainly unique for us. Going back to basics, Captain Civale and the pump operator, Ed Dirienzo, not only started the draft, but continued to supply several other pumpers for many hours until the fire was eventually put out. The events of that day created many stories that are still being told (some a little “taller” than others) and stories that still put smiles on the faces of our members. Tom Civale served as Captain from 1985-1986.
Under the command of Captain George Christensen the company finally saw significant growth in manpower. Several of our members’ sons reached the age requirement and joined along with several of their friends. In fact, at one point there were five father and son teams within the company. The Christensens, the Heinssens, the Heffernans, the Hakams and the DiRienzos. The timing for this youthful expansion was especially good since large brush fires became the order of day in “South Holbrook”. All the land along Sunrise Hwy. that is currently the Saddle Rock apartments, all the land along both sides of Veteran’s Hwy. and along Broadway Ave. were the sites of daily brush fires and “can parties”. Believe me, lugging those Indian cans 200’ – 300’ into the heavy brush was no picnic, but the youthful energy touched all the members and no one complained – much! Sun-Vet members still speak of the 4th of July in 1987 when the company was activated at 2pm for a brush fire and after fighting 12 – 15 additional fires one after the other, the exhausted members were finally released to enjoy their own picnics or bar-b-q’s at 1am on July 5th. George Christensen served as Captain form 1987-1988.
Just like every other fire company (or any other volunteer organization) funds are needed to operate. Whether the money was needed for pizza, postage stamps, a Christmas party or as happened often, to provide donations to Holbrook community fund drives, money had to be raised. Sun-Vet’s big fund raiser was its 200 club. 200 club members paid $26 for a chance to win $100 each week for 26 weeks with a big members’ only party at the end. It was a big money maker at the time. Sun-Vet made approximately $900 every 7-8 months and was able to support itself. Of course, it did help that Lt. Tom Heinssen was obsessed with selling his flip tickets at every Company and Department affair. Sometimes it seemed like he was everywhere with his little box of tickets.
Tom Heinssen followed George Christensen as Company Captain and, with Lieutenant Rich Rushton, continued to provide the leadership necessary to ensure the continued success of the company. Tom and Rich maintained the family atmosphere that was so identified with Sun-Vet. Family breakfasts, Memorial Day bar-b-ques and a Company holiday party in December were enjoyed by all the Company members’ families. One of the events looked forward to each year was the June soiree’. After the June meeting the members were treated to a steak and potatoes bar-b-q where the Company Man of the Year award was presented to one deserving member along with a barrage of thrown overcooked baked potatoes. Although messy, it was all in good clean fun which helped forge the bonds of the company even further. Unquestionably, the most notable of these events was the infamous “Salad Toss” soiree. After the “festivities”, all the members posed for a group picture with the officers and the selected Man of the Year using the wall of the firehouse as backdrop. On this particular night, just as the camera shutter opened, someone (who shall remain nameless) dropped a huge bowl of the leftover salad from the roof onto the unsuspecting company members. In the picture, along with the broad smiling faces of the members were pieces of lettuce, tomatoes and onions floating in mid-air a split second before landing on the members. This photo still hangs in a place of honor on the wall of Station One and if you ever visit and see it, now you know ……..the rest of the story!
Captain Tom Heinssen served a second term along with his Lieutenant, Bill Heffernan. Both continued the commitment to the company, the Department and the community. A large brush fire in the area of what is now The Colony homes gave members of Sun-Vet the opportunity to display their skills at firefighting. While fighting this brush fire, Lt. Heffernan noticed a column of smoke behind them on the north side of Furrows Rd. It was actually smoke and flames coming from a rail car on the tracks. Wasting no time, a water supply was connected and the men of Sun-Vet attacked the fire directly and with determination. Chief Gerry Schrang recognized the efforts of Sun-Vet Engine Co. #127 by bestowing a Unit Citation on the members at the scene and the company itself. Sun Vet Engine Co. #127 received a second Unit Citation at a working daytime fire on Greenbelt Pkwy. Since it was a daytime fire, response Department wide was limited. 3-15-1 got out with Lt. Heffernan, W. Green, E. Hakam and Chris Heinssen as driver. Chief Rick Gimbl, first on the scene, reported a working fire and a person possible trapped within. He advised Engine 1 that they would be the first due engine in and also the circumstances of the possible rescue. Bringing all their training into play, the four members functioned efficiently and effectively, stretching the hose, connecting to the hydrant and entering the fully involved second floor almost in one motion. Thankfully the report of someone trapped was false but the crew of 3-15-1 was presented with a Unit Citation for their exemplary actions by Chief Gimbl. Tom Heinssen served as Captain from 1989-1992.
During 1992 Holbrook Fire District purchased two brand new engines. Both were 1500 GPM 10 man enclosed cabs with mid-ship pump panels. Surprisingly one of them was assigned to Sun Vet Engine Co.#127 thanks to Chief Rick Gimbl. The engine, 3-15-1, replaced a 1250GPM engine which developed “irreparable” front end damage and was sold to another fire department in the South. This new engine was paired with a second 1500GPM engine, 3-15-5, and after several in-service adjustments, saw much action within the Fire Department. At that time Sun Vet had almost 40 members and if you wanted to get a seat at an alarm, even with two engines, you had to be quick in responding. However, as cycles do, manpower fell off in Sun Vet and picked up in the east end of the District and Eagle Engine Co. began to grow. Eventually they needed two engines and 3-15-5 was transferred to them. Sun Vet received 3-15-8, a Light truck. Up until this time 3-15-8 was used strictly for lighting a scene or transporting extra members when needed. At one point in its time, it was the largest portable generator in this section of Suffolk County. Captain Bill Heffernan and Lt. John Dirienzo began pestering Chief Vermilyea to be allowed to utilize 3-15-8 as a Truck responder. Meaning that it would respond with forcible entry tools, extra SCBA’s and certain specialized equipment. As there was a certain amount of reluctance to change its status, the majority of the tools were recycled from surplus or otherwise appropriated when necessary. Company members were extensively cross-trained in engine operations as well as rescue and truck company operations. When a used, smaller and lighter Hurst (Jaws of Life) became available, Chief Vermilyea agreed that the time had come for a second Rescue truck and 3-15-8 “Light Rescue” was born. Captain Heffernan and Lt. Dirienzo wasted no time in completely outfitting 3-15-8 with all the tools it required. After that, the Light Rescue responded as first due to all accidents in the Station 1 area and proved an invaluable asset to the Holbrook Fire Department.
During this time the Town of Islip’s Holbrook Country Club was opened and the company decided that it would sponsor an annual golf outing as its primary fund raiser. Since none of the members were experienced at running such an affair, we originally thought it was a daunting task. However, with solid help from Jupiter Ex-Captain Bill Larkin (“WH”), who transferred into Sun Vet in order to offer his help and experience to us, the 1st Sun Vet Golf Outing took off like a rocket. Players told us it was the best outing they had ever played. Not only were they treated like kings on the course, but they feasted on full prime rib dinners back at the firehouse courtesy of Joe Petralia and Fred Dirienzo who were our Company Cooks. Freddie D. was also famous for his "Freddie Bread" that he made at the dinner. As of this date, the golf outing is still going strong and is still a sell out.
Lt. Dirienzo, a NYC firefighter, decided not to run for Captain as he was busy studying for the Lieutenant’s test, bought a new house and was expecting a baby. Bill Heffernan was re-elected as Captain with Chris Heinssen as his Lieutenant. Both Bill and Chris believed in strong firematic training and urged all the members to be positive assets for the company, the Department and the community. Several company drills were set up by Chris courtesy of his employer, GTS Lumber on Vet’s Hwy. Many a Sunday morning you could see a column of smoke emanating from their rear yard causing a few too many calls to 911. As good as it was, training there eventually had to stop. The company also decided to spend even more time together and planned a trip to upstate Villa Roma with their wives. A large ‘hospitality room” was ordered and as everyone arrived they would meet there. Since everyone drove themselves up, they obviously arrived at different times. After a full evening of socializing, all retired. The last one to arrive was Steve Mosca who decided he too wanted a little socializing and began to phone everyone’s room, waking everyone up with stories of minor disasters involving one of more of the members. In reality, Steve had set up the hospitality room with a video tape and taped everyone as they entered the room. This was the scene of his famous “MEN” speech, a speech that surprised all the members with Steve’s wit and wisdom of the times. While all the members kept a smile on their faces for the next several hours, the next night Steve paid the price for his prank by getting locked into the room with all the wives - without any back-up. Bill Heffernan served as Captain form 1993-1996.
In 1995 the company wanted to honor one of our senior members who was still responding and providing much appreciated leadership and direction. Joe Petralia was appointed Honorary Captain of Sun-Vet Engine Company #127. This appointment was also recognized by the Department and Joe was presented with a white shirt, badge and all the respect he so justly deserved. In January of 2006, Joe was honored again by the Department as he was appointed Honorary Ex-Chief.
In 1997, Chris Heinssen took over command of Sun-Vet Engine company. His Lieutenant was his younger brother, Jeff. Both Chris and Jeff handled themselves professionally and competently in leading the company. No one supported them more then their father, ex-Captain Tom Heinssen. Unfortunately due to job constraints, Jeff had to resign after one year and was replaced by Steve Mosca as Company Lieutenant. Chris and Steve worked extremely well together and continued the family atmosphere in Station 1 as well as the continuous training and drills necessary to keep the members sharp. Chris Heinssen served as Captain from 1997-1999. At the end of his term Chris ran for 2nd Assistant Chief in December of 1999 and won. He was the first member from a Station Company to be elected to the Chief’s ranks in the Holbrook FD.
In 2000, as Steve Mosca stepped up as Company Captain, the community of Holbrook was changing more and more. There were less and less brush fires and more and more ambulance calls. Many of the newer homes were equipped with automatic fire alarms and good fire prevention practices kept structure fires at a minimum. Steve and his Lieutenant, Len Grauso agreed to have an ambulance stationed at Station 1 at least one night a week in order to meet the needs of the community. Although there were few medically trained members in the Station 1 area, several Emt’s from Headquarters volunteered to respond to Station 1 for ambulance calls. This arrangement worked out very well for everyone, especially the people of our community.Steve Mosca served as Captain during 2000-2001.
In 2002, Lenny Grauso took over the helm along with his Lieutenant, Rich Rushton. They were supported by the company members in all their efforts. Again training was the order of the day and all the members, even the senior Life members, participated in all the company drills. During this period the Holbrook Fire District purchased two new pumpers, 3-15-4 and 3-15-5. Engine 3-15-4 was assigned to Station 1 and Engine 5 was assigned to Station 2. Both trucks were set up as “Rescue Pumpers” with portable Holmatro cutter-spreaders and other tools and equipment required at accident scenes or car fires. Although they usually responded as the 2nd vehicle out of the stations, both Engines are perfectly capable of being the 1st due engine at any call. Lenny Grauso served as Company Captain during 2002-2003.
In 2004, Jeff Heinssen returned to the office of Company Captain with Frank Mosca as his Lieutenant. Interestingly enough, as Jeff was Captain, his older brother, Chris, became Chief of the Holbrook Fire Department. During this time, the Holbrook and Sayville fire dept.'s joined forces in forming the "Multi District Engine". This Engine was staffed from 9 am - 3 pm on weekdays. This enabled a fully staffed Engine to respond quickly during the daytime hours which ussually was the most difficult time for each dept. to get crews. Each dept. would supply 2-4 members and would rotate the Engine location either in Holbrook Station 1 on Church st. or Sayville Station 2 on Broadway ave. Thanfully in the year 2005 the Company had 4 new Probationary members. Having these new members responding helped to rejuvinate some of the Senior members into comin out and helping with the response and training of these new members. Jeff Heinssen served as Captain from 2004-2007.
In 2005, the members of Sun-Vet Engine Company again wanted to show their respect for one of the senior active members. George Christensen Sr. was appointed an Honorary Company Captain of the Company. George was a New York City Firefighter with 65 Engine for 30 years. He was a member who was always there to help the young guy's. It seemed like he never missed a fire in Holbrook. The Officers and members could always count on George to be there. At the 80th Installation Dinner in 2007, George was appointed as an Honorary Ex-Chief by Chief Joel Vetter. There is no doubt that George had earned the respect of our entire department. Unfortunately, in December of 2008 George passed away. He was a great friend to all and will be greatly missed.
In 2007, Chris Heinssen returned to the office of Captain. Sean Combs was elected to Lieutenant. By this time the Company has started to get new applicants and have retained several new members.
