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Two vie for one seat in West Babylon Fire District
Koch serves at the Great East Neck Road Firehouse. He is a 35-year resident of West Babylon and is a member of the firehouse since the summer of 1986. He has served in several capacities as a firefighter, including a term as lieutenant, 1990-1991 and captain, 1992-1993 and again in 1999 with the Engine Company #8. He serves as the director for the West Babylon Fire Department Youth Education Program for ten years and is a member of the Suffolk County Fire Safety Education Association for 15 years. He currently serves as the Department Trustee for the West Babylon Fire House for four years. He is retired from his position as the Fire Marshall at the Port Authority Police in 2003, and began working as a consultant for fire protection at H.A.K.S. Engineer in New York City. He is also a trustee for the Town of Babylon Volunteer Fireman's Association.
Smith is a member of the West Babylon Training Committee for two years, and is also is the director of the Junior Firefighters. He coaches the West Babylon Lacrosse Team for the past 10 years. Koch said that if he is elected he would work to maintain the current level of operating costs for the district. "I will represent the taxpayers of West Babylon and keep an eye on things," he said, adding that even with costs increasing, he believes the district can maintain the current spending levels. Smith said he will take the advice of a 52-year veteran and fellow fireman Irv Smith (no relation): "Give the fireman what they need and protect the taxpayers money," he said. If elected, he said he would focus on replacing equipment and updating technology in the department. The West Babylon Fire Department serves 29,000 residents. They respond to approximately 2,500 calls for assistance a year. The operating budget for the district is $3,666.375.
For residents who live north of Sunrise, the elections will be held at 1033 Hertzel Boulevard Firehouse. Residents who live south of Sunrise, should vote at 126 Arnold Ave. The election is on Tuesday, December 11 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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