Sitting with me in the firehouse today is Caleb Giordano. Caleb is a 10-year member of the Carle Place Fire Department, where he serves as both an interior firefighter and EMT-B. An above-knee amputee since the age of two, he has shown unwavering dedication to service and leadership throughout his career. Caleb currently holds the position of President on the department’s Board of Trustees and continues to be a strong advocate for his department and the fire service as a whole.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Paul Salvodon. Paul began his service career while attending Nassau Community College, joining the Uniondale Fire Department’s Manor Company Engine 3 on October 21, 2014. During his time with UFD, he served as Manor Company Secretary and briefly as a chauffeur. After graduating from NCC in 2017, Paul continued his commitment to public service by becoming an NYPD Police Officer on January 10, 2018.

After nearly seven years with the fire department, he resigned in May 2021 following a move to Rockville Centre with his fiancée. His service path continued when he joined the Army Reserve in November 2022, deploying to Kuwait from 2023 to 2024. Upon returning home, Paul earned his bachelor’s degree from John Jay College, relocated to North Babylon, and transitioned from the NYPD to the Garden City Police Department in November 2024.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Chance Ervin.

Chance Ervin is a volunteer firefighter with the Johnson Fire Department, proudly serving the communities of Johnson and Westtown, New York. He joined the department on October 9, 2023, and has nearly two years of volunteer firefighting experience.

One of the most significant incidents Chance has responded to was the Jennings Creek Fires in Greenwood Lake, where he assisted in wildfire suppression operations alongside neighboring agencies.
Outside of the fire service, Chance is a student at SUNY Orange, majoring in International Relations. When he is not studying or responding to emergency calls, he works as a produce clerk at ShopRite in Warwick, NY.

Chance is committed to public service, teamwork, and continued learning both in and out of the firehouse.

Sitting with me in the FireHouse is Avril Ashley. Avril is a dedicated member of the Uniondale Fire Department, marking 20 years of service in June 2026. Originally from Queens, NY, he moved to Uniondale to give his family a better way of living, bought his first home, and was inspired to join the fire department after seeing the fire trucks pass his block—sparking a passion that became his lifelong calling.

Throughout his career with Company 3, Avril has served as Lieutenant, Captain six times, Ex-Captain five times, and currently serves as Captain. He has also held the roles of Second Assistant Chief, First Assistant Chief, and Chief of the Department. Today, he proudly serves as Commissioner of the Uniondale Fire Department. Despite decades of leadership, Avril considers himself a lifelong student of the fire service—continuously learning the levels, stages, and inner workings of the fire district.

Be sure to watch the full episode to hear all of Avril’s firehouse stories!

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Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr. Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr., a proud Hempstead resident of over 40 years, was elected Mayor on March 16, 2021. His public service began in 2013 as a Village Trustee and later Deputy Mayor, where he oversaw key departments including Police, Fire, and Public Works. Since taking office, he has led major revitalization efforts, securing nearly $160 million for the Village, including a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative award. Mayor Hobbs is an active member of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, the African American Mayors Association, and NYCOM, serving on multiple committees focused on community development and government operations. A seasoned public servant, he has previously served as Supervisor of Code Enforcement, Commissioner of the Hempstead Housing Authority, and Board Member at Nassau University Medical Center. He is also a member and officer of the Hempstead Fire Department’s Truck Company One and an EMT-CC, earning the Life-Saving Star Award. Beyond his civic work, Mayor Hobbs has been the Senior Pastor of Coney Island Cathedral for over 30 years and Presiding Bishop of The Restoration Fellowship. He holds a Doctorate in Theology and is the author of New Mind, New You. Mayor Hobbs is married to Donna, a surgical RN and retired Lt. Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve. Together, they are committed to faith, family, and community service.

Sitting with me in The Firehouse is Olena Nicks. Olena joined the fire department right out of high school, beginning her journey in EMS before joining Rescue and rising through the ranks to become a Captain. Her passion for service began organically after seeing a sign for volunteer firefighters — a simple moment that inspired a lifelong commitment to helping others and strengthening her community. In addition to her fire service, Olena proudly serves as a Nassau County Legislator, continuing her dedication to leadership and public service.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Bob Corwin. Bob Corwin’s journey in the fire service began early, following in the footsteps of his family. Though he officially joined as a Junior Firefighter in 1985, he had been around the firehouse long before that with his father and grandfather. His grandfather, an Ex-Chief of the department and Chief Driver of every motorized apparatus the Company owned, left a lasting legacy that Bob proudly carried forward.

In 1989, at just 17 years old, Bob became a full member of the department. That same year, he introduced his wife—now a firefighter/paramedic—to the fire service. Over the years, Bob has taken on leadership roles, first serving as Captain in 2001 and again in two more terms, most recently from 2019 through 2025.

Dedicated to both fire and EMS, Bob became an EMT in 1993 to support the department’s ambulance operations. Today, firefighting remains a true family tradition for the Corwins, with Bob, his father, his wife, and his son all serving as active members of the department.

Samuel Sanchez joined the Uniondale Fire Department in March 2023 at just 18 years old, while still in high school. Growing up, he was influenced by his father and grandfather who both served in the fire service. In high school, Samuel was active in Junior Army ROTC and took his first EMT class. Currently, he's a full-time trade student at Nassau BOCES studying automotive technology, and also works part-time at Micro Center. Samuel is in chauffeur training for 755 and he hopes to build a long-term career in the fire service.