The fire commissioner elections for both the St. James Fire District and the Smithtown Fire Department are set for Tuesday. Both departments have two candidates each running for the positions.
St. James Fire District
Larry Montrose, a 54-year St. James resident, is one candidate up for the position. Montrose has served for more than 35 years in the fire service including the St. James Fire District and a lieutenant for the FDNY. He was also the chief of the St. James Fire District in 2004-05.
Montrose will be running against Glen Itzkowitz. Itzkowitz is a 17-year St. James resident and nationally certified fire fighter with the National Fire Protection Association who has served for more than 10 years in firefighting and EMS.
Smithtown Fire Department
Lifelong Smithtown resident Thomas Duckham is the challenger for the seat. Duckham was the Captain of his company from 1995-1997, Captain of the Fire Medic Company, Assistant Chief from 2001-2006 and Chief from 2007-2009.
Duckham is running against incumbent Gardella, who is finishing his first five-year term and vying for his second. Gardella, a Smithtown resident since 1970 and retired New York City police officer, has been with the Smithtown Fire Department since 1977. The current commissioner has held every officers position in the department.
Voting
Voting for the St. James Fire District will take place at the second station, located at 221 Jefferson Ave. from 3-9 p.m. To vote you must be a registered voter and live in the St. James fire district.
Voting for the Smithtown Fire Department will take place at the 100 Elm Avenue station from 4-9 p.m. To vote you must be a registered voter and live in the Smithtown Fire Department district.
