Dominick Santoro Honored with Firematic Award

Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the Town Board honored local volunteer firefighters at a special ceremony held on Oct. 20. Twenty four individuals were honored with Town of Hempstead Firematic Awards for their courage and dedication to protecting local communities. 

“We are proud to honor this group of firefighters and emergency medical technicians for outstanding service to their departments and to the communities they serve,” Murray said. “These first responders make significant sacrifices, and volunteer their personal time to protect the safety of their neighbors.”

Some of this year’s recipients were honored for heroic rescues and courageous deeds performed during the normal course of their day. Others were saluted for decades of service and the continued dedication to their departments and their communities.

“Day and night, firefighters and EMT’s are ready and willing to answer the call,” Murray said. “Their bravery and volunteerism help make our communities safe and pleasant places to call home.”

One of those honored was Ex-Chief Dominick Santoro of the Santoro, who has served 70 years for the people of East Meadow, is one of the most respected members of the department and a role model for his fellow firefighters.

"This is a man of impressive performance and impeccable character," Murray said. "He has served in positions of Lieutenant and Captain, and was both a two term chief and two term fire commissioner."

Today, Santoro remains an active and admired member of the East Meadow Fire Department. Part of a true firematic family, Santoro's wife of 64 years, Fran Santoro, has been an invaluable member of the Fire Department’s Ladies Auxiliary.

"If ever one firefighter stood for all that is good, noble and heroic about his hometown fire department that firefighter would be Dominick Santoro and tonight the Town of Hempstead proudly salutes this one-of-a-kind hero with the 2011 Firematic Award," Murray added.