Freeport Fire Department Executive Director educates commerce on fire safety measures

Organized by the Freeport Chamber of Commerce at Hibiscus at 23 Woodcleft Ave on June 13, Freeport Fire Department Executive Director Raymond F. Maguire took the stage as a special guest speaker.

Maguire’s presentation focused on a crucial topic he dubbed, “How to save money and help you sleep through the night,” delving into the importance of fire safety measures for businesses and the integral role of the Fire Department in safeguarding the community.

During his presentation, Maguire shed light on the historical ties between the Freeport Fire Department and the community. He highlighted that the incorporated village of Freeport was founded within a firehouse, emphasizing the department’s longstanding commitment to giving back through various services and active participation in community events.

Maguire’s talk transitioned into discussing the significance of the Knox Box system, which has the potential to save businesses substantial sums of money. Explaining the concept, he described the Knox Box as a safety measure that facilitates more efficient handling of dangerous situations for both firefighters and building or business owners. Essentially, the Knox Box is a secure box installed outside the building, containing keys that firefighters can use to gain access during emergencies, eliminating the need for forced entry. The objective is to enable firefighters to quickly retrieve the key, granting them swifter access and allowing them to carry out their duties more effectively. Maguire stressed the importance of time in firefighting scenarios, as fires can escalate rapidly while firefighters strive to gain entry through forced means.

Maguire underscored the significant impact of such precautions, emphasizing their ability to save time, money, jobs, and lives while benefitting the entire community. Reflecting on the added layer of security provided by the Knox Box, Maguire said, “If we’re able to get the fire before it activates sprinklers, that’s significant, but if we’re delayed and that’s happened, it can be exponentially worse, so, the Knox Box is a whole other dynamic.”

The Chamber of Commerce members were keenly interested in the Knox Box system and expressed their gratitude to Maguire for his insightful presentation on this vital topic.

Jorge A. Martinez, a Chamber of Commerce member and village trustee, praised Maguire’s dedication and the exceptional work of the Fire Department, referring to it as the finest department in New York State. Martinez recognized Maguire’s contributions and the critical role played by the Fire Department in ensuring the safety of the community.

“We are so lucky to have Ray with us and working for us,” Martinez said. “We have absolutely no issue with the fire department, it is by far the best department in New York State. A lot of credit goes to this man.”