Valley Stream's top people stories of 2010

These are summaries of some of the top people stories in Valley Stream in 2010, as chosen by Herald staff.

First baby of the new year

It was New Year’s Eve, and Sabrina Ameruoso, 32, of Valley Stream was watching her husband Frank make a batch of chocolate chip cookies. Around 11:15 p.m., she told her husband that her contractions were only minutes apart. With that, their milestone journey began.

Sabrina and Frank arrived at South Nassau Communities Hospital in Oceanside at 11:45 p.m., and immediately nurses knew that the baby had a shot to make to make some headlines. With about 10 nurses crowded in her room to help the delivery process, the ball dropped as they all watched. Just 45 seconds later, baby Mia was born to Sabrina and Frank, weighing in at 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

At the time, the new parents and staff did not know where Mia stood as far as being one of the first new babies of 2010. Hospital staff members called other local area hospitals and searched Google as well. When Mia was officially recognized as the winner for Long Island, the hospital treated Frank and Sabrina to a steak and shrimp dinner. Mia came home on Jan. 2 healthy and a headline maker.

Fernandez becomes fire chief

As a little kid, Joseph Fernandez used to chase fire trucks on his bicycle. Wearing his fire helmet with the Texaco logo and a flashing light on top, Fernandez always had interest in the action.

Now 49, Fernandez finally became the leader of the Valley Stream Fire Department on May 15, when he was installed as chief. His father, Thomas, administered the oath of office. He became the department’s 93rd chief, taking over for Antonio Nuzzi, who held the reins for two years.

Fernandez is a Central High School graduate from the class of 1979, the same year he joined the volunteer fire department with Engine Company No. 1 on Rockaway Parkway. After serving his country in the Air Force for four years, Fernandez returned and began his ascension up the department ranks. On his third try, he was elected second assistant chief, then first assistant before becoming the leader of the squad. Fernandez, a retired narcotics detective in the NYPD, now works as a security guard at Central High School.