By Kathianne Boniello
Engine Co. 306 and Ladder Co. 152 in Bayside got a special Thanksgiving feast brought to their doorstep last week, courtesy of an enthusiastic group of young deliverymen.
Accompanied by their parents, about 13 Cub Scouts from St. Mary’s Elementary School in Manhasset made the Nov. 21 visit, with each second-grader presenting a basket full of food to the firefighters on duty.
The youngsters received more than just a tip for their efforts, with a tour of the firehouse and the chance to climb inside the Engine Co. 306 fire truck. Fire Lt. Tom Wojcik and Firefighter Todd Townsend also presented each Cub Scout with their community services badges and an FDNY hat.
Wojcik, an 18-year veteran of the Fire Department, said the visit was a welcome one.
“It makes you feel great,” he said as the excited children scrambled for a chance to climb into the fire truck. “And the kids are taught to appreciate the emergency services. For us it’s nice, but this is really for them.”
Firefighter Frank De Angelo, who along with Townsend, had spent the day at Engine Co. 306 instead of their normal post of Engine Co. 304 in Queens Village, said he enjoyed the youths’ excitement.
“We always try to wave to the kids when we’re out on the truck,” he said as he watched wide-eyed boys stroll around the firehouse. “They get a big thrill out of that.”
Before giving the Cub Scouts their community service badges, Wojcik thanked the children for bringing the food baskets, which included a turkey, stuffing, jars of gravy and vegetables. The lieutenant explained to the group how volunteer fire companies from their neighborhood helped protect Bayside on Sept. 11 when Engine Co. 306 went to Ground Zero.
While the children took an excited interest in nearly every part of the firehouse, the boys had their own reasons for wanting to make the visit.
Nick Kunkel, 7, who had helped to deliver the Thanksgiving meal because the firefighters should “stay safe,” said: “I wanted to come here because my grandfather was a firefighter and they’re heroes.”
Brandon, also 7, said he felt good about his efforts and was excited about the tour of the firehouse.
“I wanted to come here because the firefighters have cool stuff,” he said, smiling.
But most of the children agreed the best part of the day came when the firefighters had to usher them out so Engine Co. 306 could answer an alarm.
The youngsters enthusiastically clapped and waved as the fire truck pulled away with the “thank you” banner given to them by the children still attached.
Conor, 7, summed up the boys’ feelings.
“It’s really cool to see a real, actual fire truck come out when it’s a real emergency!” he said. “That was really good.”
Reach reporter Kathianne Boniello by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 146.
