Sitting with me in the Firehouse is John Jarvis, a 27-year-old fourth-generation firefighter and 10+ year member of the East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company. Over the course of his service, John has responded to thousands of emergency calls, including structure fires, technical rescues, and EMS incidents. He is trained in basic firefighting, ice water rescue, and advanced first aid, and was recognized as a top 5 responder in his department from 2015 to 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, John played a critical role in transporting patients to nearby hospitals and was later recognized by the Town of Oyster Bay for his service. Outside of the firehouse, he is a student at Nassau Community College, where he serves as a Senator in the Student Government Association. He is also actively involved in local leadership as a member of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, the Glen Cove Democratic Committee, and as leader of the Glen Cove Young Democrats Club.

Continuing a proud family legacy of service dating back to 1919, John follows in the footsteps of generations before him — including his father, a former Chief of the department — carrying forward a deep commitment to community, leadership, and the fire service.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Robert Hendry. Rob is a 35-year member of Harper Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and a life member of the Hempstead Fire Department. Rob also served his community for 32 years as a Hempstead Police Officer before retiring from law enforcement.
Within Truck 1, he currently serves as Captain and Treasurer, and has previously held the roles of Captain, Lieutenant, and Secretary. Deeply committed to training and safety, Rob is an active member of the department’s training, safety, and investigation committees, and is both a New York State Certified Fire Instructor and Nassau County Certified Safety Officer.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Christina Ovale. Christina’s fire service career began with Westbury Hose Company No. 1, where she proudly served from 2012 to 2023. During her time there, she rose through the ranks as Rescue Lieutenant in 2020, Rescue Captain in 2021, and Hose 1 Lieutenant in 2022, becoming the department’s first female line officer, chauffeur, and racing team “turtle.”

She continued her service with Jericho Trident Company from 2023 to 2024 and later with Roslyn Highlands Fire Company from 2024 to 2025. Today, Christina carries her commitment to public service forward in a new chapter, currently working in law enforcement in Florida.