Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Dominic Guida. Dominic is in his 11th year as an EMS provider - 9 as an EMT and now over a year and a half out of Medic class. Before EMS he worked as an advocate for a disability law firm and as a social worker in various Group and Mental Health settings. Dominic then switched from Social Work to Full Time EMS when Northwell Health called him in 2018. He currently works out in Suffolk County doing the "Suffolk Shuffle" and serves the Sayville Community Ambulance Company as First Assistant Chief. In the near future, Dominic plans on re-certifying his card, going for one of the board certifications (either FPC or CCP) as well as pursuing a Masters in either Business or Education. Outside of work, he goes to the gym, cooks, keeps up with his father, teaches EMS, and a huge advocate for all things mental health.

Sitting with me in the FireHouse is Phil Falco. Phil is a 34-year volunteer firefighter with the Central Islip Fire Department, and a 20-year career Firefighter/EMT with Long Island MacArthur Airport Crash Fire Rescue. He also serves as the Central Islip Fire Districts Safety Officer and is a member of the Islip Town Haz Mat team. The fire service isn’t just what he does—it’s who he is. Over the years, he's been tested in ways that leave a lasting mark. He's faced tragedy, made tough calls, and grown through every high and low that comes with this job. These events have definitely shaped Phil and has helped him to deal with life’s endeavors.

When his son became a cancer survivor, it shifted something in him. That experience fueled his mission to protect not just lives on the fire-ground, but the long-term health of every firefighter he serves alongside. That’s what led him to launch Makin The Push—an Instagram platform dedicated to firefighter safety, wellness, and cancer prevention.

One of his greatest honors has been watching his sons follow in his footsteps—both joining the Central Islip Fire Department, with one continuing on to serve with the Myrtle Beach Fire Department.

Outside the firehouse, his hobby is BBQ and smoked foods. He has even created his own bourbon BBQ sauce. He is also a lifelong fan of drill team racing—one of the fire service’s best traditions. Phil believes in doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. That mindset has carried him through every shift, every challenge, and every chapter of this journey.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Kristen Keller. Kristen Keller joined the Lakeland Fire Department in 2007 and currently serves as EMS Chief, a role she also held in 2020, 2021, and again in 2024. Over the years, she has held several leadership positions within the department on the EMS side, and is the Department’s Corporation Secretary. Kristen is a CPR instructor for the department. Fire service runs in the family—her mother, Sue, a former EMS Chief, and her brother, Mike, are also members. Kristen met her husband, Dan, at Lakeland; they married in 2020 and have a daughter, Mackenzie.

Outside of the fire department, Kristen is a Paramedic Supervisor at Northwell Health Center for EMS, where she began as an EMT in 2013 and advanced through roles including Paramedic and Critical Care Paramedic. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music with a focus on voice. She sings at local churches, performs in theatre, and regularly performs the national anthem at various events, including 9/11 ceremonies, Installation Dinners, and sporting events.

Lakeland EMS Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lakelandfdems?igsh=MXdiY3F6am8yMmhkag==
Website: Home - Lakeland Fire Rescue

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Evan Schatzberg. Born into a family of firefighters, Evan Schatzberg has fire service in his blood. As the Deputy Chief of the Plainview Fire Department, Schatzberg has dedicated 27 years of his life to protecting his community. Following in the footsteps of his father, who has been with the department for an impressive 56 years, Schatzberg joined at just 18 years old and has held every rank, from second lieutenant to first lieutenant to captain. With his uncle recently celebrating 50 years of service, it's clear that Schatzberg was destined for a career in the fire department. Drawing on the invaluable experience of responding to calls alongside his father, Schatzberg has developed an unparalleled expertise that makes him an indispensable asset to the Plainview Fire Department.

Born in Hicksville but raised in East Northport, Carolyn Schatzberg has dedicated over a decade of service to the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department. As President of the Ladies Auxiliary since 2010, Carolyn plays a vital role in supporting the department's operations and community efforts.

Under Carolyn's leadership, the Auxiliary has evolved to meet the changing needs of the fire service. They now coordinate essential services like providing meals during trainings and lengthy fire calls, as well as hosting the annual children's holiday party. Carolyn's passion for the fire department runs deep - her husband Evan is the 1st Deputy Chief, and the Schatzberg family has a long history of involvement.

Outside of the firehouse, Carolyn indulges her diverse interests, from playing the bagpipes with Tara Pipes & Drums to sewing (earning her the high school nickname "Crayon"). As she steps down from her officer role this year, Carolyn looks forward to supporting the next generation of Auxiliary volunteers and staying involved as an active member.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Francisco Soto. Answering the call to serve, Francisco Soto has dedicated the last 14 years of his life to the Uniondale Fire Department. As a member of Engine Company No. 2 in Brookside, Francisco's journey began when a close friend encouraged him to visit the firehouse. What he discovered was an unbreakable brotherhood that instantly felt like home. Now the first in his family to don the uniform, Francisco's unwavering commitment and the steadfast support of his company propelled him through the ranks, from firefighter to captain. With his sights set on continued growth, Francisco's drive and leadership skills have earned him the respect of his peers and the trust of the community he proudly protects.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Jehanne Roy. Fearless and always ready to spring into action, Jay Roy is a true hometown hero. As a 5-year member of the Roslyn Rescue Hook & Ladder Co # 1, Jay has risen through the ranks, now serving as the 1st EMS Lieutenant since 2023. When she's not battling blazes, Jay applies her lifesaving skills as a Registered Nurse specializing in Critical Care in the Medical ICU.

Social Media : Instagram @Jay.nkr

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Bobby Tolley. Bobby Tolley's life has been defined by a deep commitment to service. Growing up in a military family, he followed in their footsteps, serving twice in the military over 13 years, including a decade in the special operations world. But tragedy struck when his brother William, a notable firefighter, passed away in the line of duty. Devastated, Bobby channeled his grief into founding the Fire and Drums Foundation, which provides financial support to families of first responders and military members enduring similar tragedies. Through this lasting legacy, Bobby ensures his brother William's memory will never be forgotten.