Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Jean-Baptiste Carelus. Jean-Baptiste Carelus has built his life around service, leadership, and showing up for his community when it matters most. Whether in his professional career or inside the firehouse, his hard work and dedication speak for themselves.

He currently serves as a Senior Collateralized Loan Obligation (CLO) Analyst with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Capital Markets and Investment Analysis Office, where his discipline, focus, and problem-solving skills help guide critical financial analysis.

But those who truly know Jean-Baptiste know that some of his most meaningful work happens as a volunteer firefighter and EMT with the West Hempstead Fire Department. His commitment to the department reflects countless hours of training, emergency response, teamwork, and sacrifice—all done in service to others. As a volunteer, he gives his time selflessly, answering calls, supporting his fellow firefighters, and remaining dedicated to the safety of the community. That kind of service is built on consistency, heart, and a willingness to work hard without asking for recognition.

He is also a proud brother of Sigma Phi Rho Fraternity, Inc., a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a lector at St. Thomas the Apostle Church.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is John Jarvis, a 27-year-old fourth-generation firefighter and 10+ year member of the East Norwich Volunteer Fire Company. Over the course of his service, John has responded to thousands of emergency calls, including structure fires, technical rescues, and EMS incidents. He is trained in basic firefighting, ice water rescue, and advanced first aid, and was recognized as a top 5 responder in his department from 2015 to 2020.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, John played a critical role in transporting patients to nearby hospitals and was later recognized by the Town of Oyster Bay for his service. Outside of the firehouse, he is a student at Nassau Community College, where he serves as a Senator in the Student Government Association. He is also actively involved in local leadership as a member of the Nassau County Democratic Committee, the Glen Cove Democratic Committee, and as leader of the Glen Cove Young Democrats Club.

Continuing a proud family legacy of service dating back to 1919, John follows in the footsteps of generations before him — including his father, a former Chief of the department — carrying forward a deep commitment to community, leadership, and the fire service.

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Robert Hendry. Rob is a 35-year member of Harper Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 and a life member of the Hempstead Fire Department. Rob also served his community for 32 years as a Hempstead Police Officer before retiring from law enforcement.
Within Truck 1, he currently serves as Captain and Treasurer, and has previously held the roles of Captain, Lieutenant, and Secretary. Deeply committed to training and safety, Rob is an active member of the department’s training, safety, and investigation committees, and is both a New York State Certified Fire Instructor and Nassau County Certified Safety Officer.