Crime & Safety

Bellmore Fire Commissioner Election Preview

Long-time Bellmore residents Craig Maltz and Matthew O'Connor set their sights on Bellmore Fire Commissioner.

This Tuesday, Dec. 14, the Bellmore Fire Department will be holding its fire commissioner elections. Running for the position are Craig Maltz and Matthew O'Connor. All Bellmore residents who are registered voters can vote. The election will take place at the Bellmore Fire Department Headquarters, located at 230 Pettit Avenue, from 2-9 p.m.

Maltz is an active member of the Bellmore Fire Department and currently serves as the treasurer of Bellmore West End Engine Company #3. During his time in the department he has also served on the Department's Color Guard, the Old Fashion Drill Team, as Assistant Coach to the softball team and on numerous department and company committees.

On top of his work with the fire department, Maltz has also done a considerable amount of work with the community.

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"As an active member of the community, I have served as both treasurer and president of John F. Kennedy High School Sports Booster Club," he said. "I am proud to be a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award and to have received Life Membership from the Bellmore PTA. My service to the community was recognized with the receipt of the Nassau County Police Commissioner Award."

Maltz has lived in Bellmore for over 42 years. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1973 and received a Bachelors Degree in Business from Hofstra University in 1977.

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He has also been a business owner for over 30 years. For the last 15 years Maltz has owned and operated Stride Rite Shoes of Merrick. He believes his background in business is where he can make the biggest difference for Bellmore residents.

"With my business experience and my dedication to the community, I believe I will be an asset in the Commissioners' office," he said. "My goal is to be fiscally responsible to the Bellmore taxpayers while, at the same time, maintaining the state of the art equipment and training for our firefighters and medics."

Maltz added: "Please consider my education, business background, and dedication to the Bellmore Fire Department and to the community when you vote. On Dec. 14, every resident can make a difference by casting their vote for Craig Maltz for Bellmore Fire Commissioner."

O'Connor, is a lifelong resident of Bellmore and has more than 10 years of service to the Bellmore Fire Department. He also has more than 6 years experience as a career paramedic and is currently employed with the Nassau County Police Department.

In his time with the fire department, O'Connor has held the position of engineer on ambulance 6011, as well as serving on various committees. In addition, he has extensive training in hazardous materials, building construction, trench rescue, confined space and building collapse.

"I believe my experience and training in the fire and EMS fields is far superior to my opponent's, which will allow me to make more sound decisions on the board," O'Connor said.

O'Connor noted that he will bring an innovative vision to the position of commissioner, should he be elected. One of his ideas to help curb costs without losing service includes going "green."

"I intend on looking for ways to make the department more green, and to help reduce our energy costs in the process," he said. "This can be attained by both the installation of green products and the use of simple energy reduction practices."

O'Connor also said that he will be a vocal proponent of the recently reenacted Southeastern Nassau County Water Authority; this commission is studying the cost savings of a town takeover of the local Aqua water district.

His plans further include working with surrounding districts to consolidate the ordering of supplies to reduce costs to the taxpayers. "I would also like to reach out to our surrounding fire districts to collaborate on supply orders and help lower our costs," he said.

Although O'Connor believes there are ways to save money, he said he will not sacrifice the safety of the members of the department, nor the members of the community. He will continue to help advance the departments training, and provide the best equipment possible, to protect the residents of Bellmore.


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