Sitting with me in the firehouse is Mike Charles, a longtime firefighter, NYPD Detective, private investigator, security consultant, and TV and film technical advisor. Mike has been a member of Hempstead Ladder Co. 2 since 1997, serving 10 years as an officer, including six years as Captain/Lieutenant and four years as Chief. He became Chief of Department in 2010 and remains active in the fire service today. Mike also served as an NYPD Detective 2nd Grade with the Manhattan Robbery Squad. His career has extended into television and film, where he has worked as a technical advisor on productions including The Thomas Crown Affair, Denis Leary’s The Job, and numerous other TV shows and movies. Through MCS Consultants, Mike has also worked in private investigations and security for 39 years and continues to work in the field.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Rodni Leftwich.

At just 21 years old, Rodni Leftwich has already dedicated two years to serving with the Glen Cove Fire Department. As a young member of the fire service, Rodni brings a strong commitment to his community and a genuine passion for serving others. His experience with the department has given him the opportunity to grow, learn, and become part of something bigger than himself. We’re excited to have Rodni share his experience and perspective on what it means to be part of the fire service.

Sitting With Me In the Firehouse is Chief Teddy Smith.

Teddy Smith has dedicated 44 years to the fire service as a fourth-generation Fire Chief, continuing a family legacy that dates back to the days of horse-drawn fire wagons. His great-uncle, Benjamin Carmen, was a founding member of Brookside Company 2 of the Uniondale Fire Department.

Throughout his career, Chief Smith has earned four Medals of Valor, numerous lifesaving and bravery awards, and was named Uniondale Firefighter of the Year twice. He has served as Chief of the Uniondale Fire Department three times, Captain of Truck 4 five times, Lieutenant eight times, Assistant Chief of the Roosevelt Fire Department, Captain of Truck 1 four times, Lieutenant of Truck 1 three times, and Chief Fire Training Instructor for the Uniondale Fire Department.

Outside the fire service, Chief Smith retired as Undersheriff of Nassau County after 32 years of service, is an Air Force veteran and Pararescueman, and is the proud father of three daughters. He also implemented the A, B, and C radio designation system for Uniondale in 1996, a system now adopted by many fire departments, served as Officer in Charge of the Presidential Debates in Uniondale, and helped build Uniondale Truck 4 alongside the truck committee.

We hope you enjoy this episode of the Firehouse!
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