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.