Union Hook, Ladder and Heavy Rescue Company

Company 4 – Established 1954
Stationed at: West Islip Fire Department Headquarters
Address: 309 Union Boulevard, West Islip, NY

Line Officers

• Captain: Jason DiGrazia

• 1st Lieutenant: Matthew Sonnenberg

• 2nd Lieutenant: Joseph Nolan Jr.

• Treasurer: Joseph Argento

• Secretary: Richard Marrone

Company Overview

Founded in 1954 as part of the original North West Islip Volunteer Fire Company, Inc., Union Hook, Ladder and Heavy Rescue Company—commonly known as Company 4—plays a critical role in the West Islip Fire Department’s emergency operations. Originally stationed at what is now Station 1 on Watts Place, the company today operates out of Fire Headquarters on Union Boulevard.

Company 4 specializes in:

• Search and Rescue operations

• Ventilation during structural fires

• Vehicle extrication at motor vehicle accidents

All members are New York State certified firefighters, trained in accordance with state firefighting standards. With a roster of approximately 40 dedicated volunteers from across the West Islip Fire District, the company responds selflessly—often at great personal risk—to protect lives and property in the community.

History and Legacy

The Company’s first piece of apparatus was an ambulance, and for many years, members were also responsible for responding to medical emergencies. This dual role continued until the establishment of the dedicated Rescue Squad in 1987.

Throughout its history, Company 4 has operated a variety of specialized equipment, including:

• An 85-foot Young Snorkel aerial platform

• A walk-in style heavy rescue truck mounted on a Ford chassis

• A Cadillac ambulance, representative of early EMS capabilities

The company remains proud of its longstanding commitment to innovation, service, and teamwork within the fire service.

Apparatus

3-17-4

• Model: Pierce

• Type: 100' Rear-Mount Ladder

• Special Features: Dual Stang monitors for master stream operations

Company 4 also operates a 2008 Pierce Dash Heavy Rescue and a 2012 Pierce Velocity 95-foot Ladder Truck, both of which are equipped for technical rescues, high-angle operations, and rapid intervention.

Past Captains of Company 4

Below is a list of the distinguished officers who have served as Captains of Union Hook, Ladder and Heavy Rescue Company. Captains marked with an asterisk (*) also served as Chiefs of the West Islip Fire Department:

• Ex-Captain Robert Denis (1954–1955)

• Ex-Captain Bernard Blumenthal (1955–1956)

• Ex-Captain George McDonough (1957–1960)

• Ex-Captain Jack Haseman (1960–1961)

• Ex-Captain John Durkin (1961–1963)

• Ex-Captain Joseph Bonamsso (1963–1965)

• Ex-Captain Charles O'Neill (1965–1967)

• Ex-Captain Joseph Degori (1967–1969)

• Ex-Captain Donald Guando (1969–1970)

• Ex-Captain George Winchester (1970–1972)

• Ex-Captain George Ashenbeck (1972–1973)

• Ex-Captain Louis Caggioni (1973–1976)

• Ex-Captain Dante Pellati (1976–1978, 1986)

• Ex-Captain Sam Viola (1978–1980)

• Ex-Captain Richard Zaleski (1980–1982)

• Ex-Captain George Selby (1982–1984)

• Ex-Captain Louis Rendina (1984–1985)

• Ex-Captain Joseph Argento (1986–1988, 2003–2005)

• Ex-Captain Joseph DiPalma* (1988–1991)

• Ex-Captain Brian Haseman (1991–1992)

• Ex-Captain Mark Dehos (1993–1995)

• Ex-Captain Jack Bradley (1995–1997)

• Ex-Captain Kenneth Epp Sr.* (1997–1999)

• Ex-Captain Richard Marrone (1999–2001, 2008–2009)

• Ex-Captain Glen Daleo (2001–2003, 2005–2007)

• Ex-Captain Al Cinotti (2007–2008, 2011–2013)

• Ex-Captain Robert Bilella (2009–2011)