Sitting with me in the firehouse is Spencer Austin. Spencer's connection to the fire service began long before he officially joined. With his father serving as Chief of Department in two different departments across Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the fire service has always been a part of Spencer’s life.

Starting as a junior member, Spencer developed a passion for fireground photography, capturing emergency scenes throughout Long Island. He later joined the Yaphank Fire Department as a Youth EMS member and earned his EMT certification at just 17 while balancing school and other commitments.

His photography career continued to grow, eventually leading him to become the official photographer for the Suffolk County Fire Academy. Spencer also completed the junior BEFO program through the academy, working toward his Firefighter I certification. After completing the required training, he joined his department as a firefighter at 17.

Spencer’s journey reflects a deep commitment to the fire service, combining his passion for photography, emergency medical services, and firefighting.

Welcome back to another season of The Firehouse"!!

Sitting with us today in the Firehouse is Kevin Hicks of the Uniondale Fire Department.

Meet Chief Kevin Hicks – Uniondale Fire Department, Engine Company #2

Chief Kevin Hicks was inspired to become a firefighter by his father, who served with Uniondale Fire Department’s Engine Company #2. Starting as a junior firefighter, Kevin spent four years learning the fundamentals of the fire service before continuing his journey as a firefighter and leader.

As he approaches 20 years of service in December 2026, Kevin remains committed to serving his community, continuing to learn, and growing in the fire service. Now serving as Chief, he understands that even when things don’t go as planned, the job still needs to get done. For Kevin, firefighting is about giving back, showing up for the community, and always being willing to learn something new.

We hope you enjoyed this episode. Be sure to like, share and subscribe to our Youtube channel that way you get notifications on new episodes!

Sitting with me in the firehouse is Dan Brooks. Dan is an Account Risk Manager with McNeil & Company, where he is assigned to the New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal. McNeil provides insurance and risk management services to fire and ambulance organizations across the United States.

Dan joined the Patchogue Fire Department in July 2020 and currently serves as Safety Officer, Chair of the Golf Outing and Car Show Committees, and Chief Driver of the Heavy Rescue Truck. He also serves as 1st Vice President of the Suffolk County Firefighters Association, is a member of the FASNY Legislative Committee, Secretary of the Brookhaven Town Firefighters Museum, a member of Medford Ambulance, and Immediate Past President of the Patchogue Lions Club. Through his professional and volunteer service, Dan remains deeply committed to supporting and strengthening the emergency services community.

We hope you enjoy our final episode for Season 9 of The Firehouse.

Get to know Dan:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooksde?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

https://www.instagram.com/brooksie.33