Junior fire department awarded as O.W.Ls

The Oakdale Historical Society named their 2025 recipient of the O.W.L award (Oakdale’s Wondrous Leadership) as the West Sayville Junior Fire Department.

“Oakdale Historical Society exists because of the pride, love, and hard work of the people of the Oakdale community.  Those performing this job know that it is long hours, with little recognition as they teach, inform and preserve the memories and history of our beloved Oakdale,” said president Maryann Almes.

This dedication gained popularity in January 2020 when OHS began recognizing one individual who epitomized the characteristics of leadership, knowledge and service to the Oakdale community and its history.

“Oakdale Historical Society usually recognizes one individual, but this year we are proud to recognize an entire organization as our 2025 O.W.L. award winners: The West Sayville Junior Fire Department!” said Almes. “The West Sayville Junior Fire Department embodies the tenets of leadership, knowledge and service.  These young people, under the direction of their leader Melissa McManus, have volunteered each year to do not only a fall cleanup, but also a spring cleanup of the St. John’s churchyard and labyrinth.”

During the volunteer event, the junior fire department members rake, mow, trim and weed the entire property, “descending like a flock of much-needed angels with tools in hand,” said Almes. 

“Unlike many young people, you will not hear complaints or excuses from them.  They simply ‘do’ for the purest of reasons—to help their community.  They have also participated in grave cleaning in the past and are planning another round in the fall,” said Almes. 

The spring cleanup is scheduled for early May. 

“These young people are a prominent force for OHS and the Oakdale community.  As adoptive caretakers of St. John’s they always sport a ‘what can we do to help’ attitude.   Their dedication to Oakdale, the Historical Society and St. John’s Historic Church is evident through each and everything they do.  They embody the spirit of volunteerism and we are proud to honor them with this year’s O.W.L. Award.  They are a true inspiration!” said Almes.

Chief Of West Sayville fire department Patrick D’Onofrio said, “I am extremely proud of our Junior Fire Department program.  They are involved with and help the community in so many ways that goes above and beyond what is expected of a Junior Firefighter.”