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

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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Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Captain Jack.

Captain Jack has dedicated more than 40 years to the fire and emergency services, beginning his journey at just 14 years old with the Commack Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Throughout his career, he served 28 years with the City of New York EMS, while also volunteering with the East Northport and Commack Fire Departments for over four decades combined. A third-generation firefighter, Jack carries on a proud family tradition of service and now serves alongside one of his sons in the same truck company. Known for his passion for the fire service, commitment to public education through Captain Jack's Fire Brigade, and his motto, "If it's wild, crazy, or unusual, I'm your huckleberry," Jack remains a lifelong advocate for firefighting, fire safety, and serving his community.

Sitting with me in The Firehouse is Scott Di Pino of The Dix Hills Fire Department.

Scott Di Pino (@scott_dipino) is a veteran paramedic and fire service officer with more than 30 years of experience in emergency medical services, fire operations, and public safety leadership across New York City and Long Island.

He began his career in EMS in 1995 as an EMT while volunteering with Fordham University EMS, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and met his wife, Kathleen. They have been married for 22 years. Kathleen is a retired Suffolk County Police Department officer and paramedic. They have three children.

Scott became a paramedic in 1999 and has served in multiple high-acuity systems, including New York City Fire Department EMS (1998–2004), where he responded during the events of September 11, 2001. He later joined the Nassau County Police Department as a Police Medic (2004–present), serving in the 5th Precinct, promoted to supervisor in 2009, and appointed Police Medic Coordinator in 2017.

He has been an active member of the Dix Hills Fire Department since 2005, serving in roles including Rescue Squad Officer, Fire Officer for CO1, and within the Chief’s Office from 2018 to 2024. In 2026, he was elected to the Dix Hills Board of Fire Commissioners.
Scott is also a member of the Suffolk County USAR Team as a Medical Specialist, serves as Secretary of the Town Chief’s Council, and represents the 2nd Division on the FRES Commission. He is an active member of both Suffolk and Nassau County REMAC and provides per-diem paramedic coverage to several fire districts, including New Hyde Park, Hicksville, East Farmingdale, and Greenlawn.

Throughout his career, Scott has received numerous awards and honors, including Nassau County Paramedic of the Year (2013), Suffolk County Paramedic of the Year (2022), and the Bronze Medal of Valor (2019) for actions during a structure fire on Park Avenue in Hicksville. He has delivered more than 50 babies in the field and remains active in training, mentorship, and operational leadership within the emergency services community.