Volunteers began clearing trees during storm

Early Sunday morning, when Hurricane Irene’s winds reached nearly 80 mph and many Queens residents were safely inside, members of the Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol (GCOP) and Glendale Volunteer Ambulance headed out into the heart of the storm.
“We knew it was important to make sure the main thoroughfares were clear so emergency vehicles would be able to make it through,” said Frank Kotnik, president of the GCOPs, who added that the crews removed approximately two dozen trees.
The all-volunteer crews went out at 2 p.m. and stayed until nightfall, taping off side streets with uprooted trees and limbs and removing trees on main roads.
“It wasn’t just us [the GCOPs],” Kotnik said. “The Glendale Volunteer Ambulance was a huge help.”
Throughout the night and the next day, the 104th Precinct notified them of downed trees in locations where the fire department could not respond.
“The GCOPs have always been helpful to us – not only for hurricanes,” an officer at the 104th Precinct said. “We’re lucky to have them.”
“We were just looking out for our neighbors,” said Kotnik. “None of us did anything crazy, we just tried to make sure everyone was safe.”
Assemblymember Mike Miller was among those who were thankful the GCOPs and the volunteer ambulance were out during the storm.
“The GCOPs and Glendale Volunteer Ambulance were out through the storm blocking off streets for our safety,” said Miller. “The volunteers should be commended.”
The civilian patrol is always accepting new volunteers. Concerned residents can call 718-810-0010 or attend the next general meeting on September 8 at St. Pancras School in Glendale at 8 p.m.