Syosset FD, Muttontown Compromise Over Communication

After a misunderstanding at an earlier board of fire commissioners meeting, compromised with Muttontown officials to increase communication for emergency calls.

"We approved two pagers, two spare batteries, and two charging stations" to be given to Muttontown Police, free of charge, said Syosset Fire District Commissioner Gio Graceffa.

"That way, the moment the dispatcher sends a call, Muttontown police will hear it and judge if they need to respond."

At the April 9 board of fire commissioners meeting, Muttontown Mayor Julianne Beckerman asked why her proposal regarding the communication improvement had not been acknowledged. According to Graceffa, Beckerman's submission of an email to the superintendent was not taken as formal correspondence.

"But we are asking for no more than the same type of communication that was given to the Old Brookville Police Department, and is currently given to the Oyster Bay Cove Police Department," said Beckerman, according to a Syosset-Jericho Tribune report.

"The [Muttontown] mayor said she is looking for something we used to do with Old Brookville, but we never did," said Graceffa.

"As of now, [Syosset Fire Department] only notifies [Muttontown Police] when we need backup," explained Graceffa. However, police have sometimes responded when backup is not needed, worrying Muttontown residents that police are being unnecessarily dragged from their posts.

Regardless of the argument, Syosset and Muttontown are officially on their way to better communication.

"Had the proper channels been utilized beforehand we are sure this misunderstanding could have been avoided," said Graceffa. "In the end we were able to work with the Muttontown Chief of Police to reach a solution benefiting all our communities."

As of now, Muttontown has not formally agreed on the resolution, but Graceffa said all parties, including the chief of police, were positive and receptive to the plan.

The next board of fire commissioners meeting is May 14 at