Bulldogs to celebrate

Were you a Mattituck Fire Department Bulldog? If so, your former mentors want you to join them in a 25-year celebration of the program that trains teens in firefighting techniques.

The celebration takes place this Saturday, Aug. 7, 2-6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall on Pike Street.

The program began in April 1985 with advisers Leonard Llewellyn Jr., Martin Griffin Sr. and Norman Reilly Jr. mentoring nine charter members. At the time, Bulldogs had to be between 12 and 16, although today members range in age from 14 to 18. The program has 16 active members this year, according to Mr. Llewellyn, who also noted that 15 former Bulldogs are now department members.

Mr. Llewellyn remains an adviser, working with Edward Cassidy, Robert Shaw and Theresa Wells.

Just as training for fire department members has become more sophisticated, Bulldog training is also using modern techniques, Mr. Llewellyn said. But, of course, training has to be modified for the junior members, he said.

The program through the years has resulted in teens being “a credit to the community,” Mr. Llewellyn said.

“It’s been a challenge, but over the years, I’ve enjoyed it,” he said of advising young firefighter trainees. “The kids who have gone through the program are the greatest asset to the fire department” because if they do join up as adults, they have learned the department’s procedures, he said.

If you’re a former Bulldog and you’d like to attend Saturday’s celebration, call Mr. Llewellyn at 298-4793, Mr. Shaw at 298-5640 or Mr. Cassidy at 298-6563.