Smithtown Fire Department Honors ‘Hydrant Heroes’ Who Dug Out Hydrants After Winter Storms

SMITHTOWN, NY — The Smithtown Fire Department welcomed residents to its headquarters on Friday, March 6, to celebrate community members who participated in the department’s recent “Hydrant Hero” contests.

The appreciation event was held at Fire Headquarters, located at 100 Elm Ave. in Smithtown, and recognized residents who helped keep fire hydrants clear following the January and February snowstorms.

The Hydrant Hero contests encouraged residents to dig out hydrants in their neighborhoods after heavy snowfall and submit photos of the cleared hydrants for a chance to win gift cards donated by local businesses.

More than 40 residents attended the gathering, allowing firefighters and EMTs to personally thank those who helped ensure hydrants remained accessible during winter storms. The event also allowed community members to meet first responders and get a behind-the-scenes look at the department’s operations.

Attendees enjoyed pizza and snacks while a slideshow of submitted hydrant-clearing photos played throughout the room.

During the event, Firefighter Donald Lynch, a member of the department’s Fire Prevention Committee, addressed the crowd and thanked participants for their efforts in helping protect the community.

Department officials said clearing hydrants after storms can significantly reduce response times during emergencies and improve firefighters’ ability to quickly access water during a fire.

The Hydrant Hero initiative aims to encourage residents to take an active role in public safety while strengthening the connection between the fire department and the community it serves.