Long Island Firefighter Recognized For Service To Youth

Patchogue NY

24 July, 2021

10:39 PM

Description

HAGERMAN, NY — Hagerman Fire Department firefighter Louis Valentino has been honored with the Firemen's Association of the State of New York's Youth Mentor of the Year award. Valentino, a firefighter who has served in nearly every position throughout the department's ranks over 57 years, spearheaded an explorer program with the Boy Scouts of America, creating a program accepting youngsters from all walks of life and helping them to reach their full potential, FASNY officials stated in a news release. Valentino's involvement "far exceeds just getting the kids involved in firematic activities" because he helps with schoolwork, and facilitates rides, as well as always makes himself "available to lend an ear no matter the issue," FASNY officials said. Many youngsters he has mentored have gone on to join the fire department's ranks, according to FASNY officials. Association president John Farrell said Valentino "embodies what it means to be a youth mentor." "The impact he has had on young people in the community is immense, and his commitment to not only mentoring them in a fire department capacity but also in life, is truly amazing," Farrell stated in a news release. We congratulate Firefighter Valentino and are proud he is our 2021 Youth Mentor." In addition to setting up the explorer program, Valentino has been the director of the junior fire department's team, where he is tasked with teaching children as young as eight firematic skills, as well as "good sportsmanship and a sense of fair play," FASNY officials said. Under his tutelage, the juniors have won five state championships over the last 30 years, according to FASNY officials. Hagerman Fire Chief Nicole Christensen - Pannhurst said Valentino has made "an enormous impact on this community as a whole, not only as a volunteer firefighter." She described him as being involved in "countless organizations," including the South Country Ambulance Company, the Long Island Angels, and his local church, saying that he is a very well-respected "member of the community." "Countless young recruits look up to Louie because of his vast knowledge of the fire service and his diverse experiences," she said.