A Bellmore man was recently indicted for his alleged role in what officials described as a massive fraud against the federal Social Security Disability Insurance benefits program, which resulted in the loss of hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayers’ money. more

A tanker truck overturned on Sunrise Highway in Bellmore late Tuesday night, causing a fuel spill that erupted in flames. Officials estimate that 3,000 to 7,000 gallons of fuel escaped from the tanker, which flipped on its side just before midnight. 

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The parking lot was full at the Merrick Fire Department’s Empire Hose Company on Merrick Avenue last weekend when the company held its annual Christmas tree and wreath sale, which serves as a department fundraiser. more

When Gail Ziv’s neighbors learned that her Belmill Road home went ablaze the Saturday before Thanksgiving, they worried about the woman and her two children. Through social media, concerned Bellmorites have and will continue to raise money and collect needed items for the fire victims. more

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores hosted its annual Halloween parade last weekend, drawing dozens of costume-clad kids to the community’s downtown. more

A federal jury Thursday convicted Michael Costanza, 60, of Merrick, a retired Long Island Rail Road transportation manager and North Merrick Fire Department commissioner, of fraud and conspiracy to commit fraud. Costanza now faces a maximum of 55 years in prison. more

When John Curley arrived at a raging fire on Nov. 12 last year, he thought he would pull a dead body out of the burning Bellmore home. Curley was with his son, John Curley Jr., on the morning of the blaze, driving a department pickup truck to retrieve a new boiler to replace one that was damaged by Hurricane Sandy for Engine Company No. 2 in south Bellmore. But at 7:39 a.m., when the department got a call about a “house fire with occupant trapped” nearby on Shore Road, the former chief responded. One of the residents, a man in his 60s, told Curley that his 92-year-old mother was trapped in their burning home. Thanks to the firefighter’s resourcefulness and bravery, Bellmore Fire Department officials said, the woman was rescued and survived the blaze. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York recognized Curley’s efforts by honoring him with the Firefighter of the Year award at its annual convention. more

On the 12th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Bellmore Fire Department volunteers reminded the community that they would never forget the fallen at their annual memorial service. more

At 11:30 p.m. on Aug. 9, dozens of firefighters and emergency medical technicians from several local fire departments were still at St. Demetrios Church on Hewlett Avenue in Merrick, though many had begun the work of returning fire hoses and first aid kits to emergency vehicles and preparing to roll out. Fire had destroyed the church’s ornate interior. more

The interior of a popular restaurant by the bay caught fire recently, but officials said the Bellmore Fire Department was able to contain the blaze. more