Best of February: Most Viewed Stories of the Month

From firefighter layoffs to a nearby deadly domestic dispute to the passing of a beloved and well-respected businessman, these are the most viewed articles of February 2013:

Board Approves Firefighter Layoffs: Trustees voted 6-2 in favor of laying off six professional firefighters and one fire lieutenant during an emotional standing room only board meeting Feb. 7.

Emotions Run High as Firefighter Layoffs Go Forward: As some residents applauded the board's decision to lay off six firefighters and demote one lieutenant, those employees directly affected by the cuts asked the board to reconsider during the Feb. 7 board meeting.

Fire Lt. Clancy: We Will Not Stop in our Endeavor to Prevent Layoffs: In a letter to the editor submitted Feb. 13, Fire Lt. Peter Clancy, president of the Garden City Professional Firefighters Association, sought the help of residents to help prevent the recently approved firefighter layoffs.

Update: Trustees Release Statement Regarding Firefighter Layoffs: The Garden City village board's Public Information Committee released a public statement Feb. 15 regarding the vote to layoff six firefighters and demote one lieutenant, stating, in part, that the vote came after "a great deal of study and deliberation."

Fire Lieutenant: Every Aspect of our Employment Under Severe Scrutiny: Peter Clancy, president of the Garden City Professional Firefighters, addressed residents and business owners in a letter to the editor regarding their cooperation throughout labor negotiations, mediation and arbitration.

Arrest Made in Deadly Domestic Dispute Near Garden City Border: Hempstead police responded to a domestic disturbance at a Roosevelt Street residence in Hempstead Feb. 7 and upon arrival were met by Leonard Reed, 45, who opened fire on officers, detectives report. Officers returned gunfire, incapacitating Reed and placing him under arrest, according to police. Reed was charged with second-degree murder after police discovered the body of a 42-year-old female with multiple gunshot and stab wounds deceased on the kitchen floor.

Crime Blotter: GC Teen Arrested For Alleged Hash, Marijuana Possession: A Garden City detective investigation in Parking Field 2S resulted in the arrest of a male 18-year-old from Garden City on Feb. 1 for possession of alleged Hash and alleged marijuana.

Power Outages Already Reported in Garden City: The Long Island Power Authority was reporting 41 Garden City households without power in the vicinity of Clinton Road on Feb. 8, before Nemo fully hit the area.

Blizzard Dumps Nearly Foot of Snow on Garden City: Children awoke to a winter wonderland in Garden City Feb. 9 after Blizzard Nemo dumped at least 9 inches of snow on the area.

Tennis Facility Running on $80,000 Deficit: Trustees learned at the Feb. 14 budget work session that the village's tennis facility needs an influx of memberships to help offset a major deficit. Kevin Ocker, chairman of the Board of Commissioners for Recreational and Cultural Affairs, said the facility is "fine" and those who join are "happy with it" but perhaps the department could step up its marketing efforts to help close the $80,000 gap.

Garden City Fire Chief Receives Award for Saving Life: The William Bradford Turner Post #265 awarded Garden City Assistant Fire Chief Joseph Nadolny with a 2013 Law & Order Award Feb. 20 in recognition of his actions during the 2012 Turkey Trot race.

Cummin Clancy, Former Olympian and Garden City Businessman, Dies: Cummin M. Clancy of Garden City died peacefully at home Feb. 15. He called Garden City home for 51 years. The former Olympian for Ireland in 1948 later founded Clancy & Clancy Brokerage, Ltd. in 1956. The family-operated, independent insurance agency has become a fixture on Seventh Street, where its been doing business for years.

Police: Avalon Resident Discharges Assault Rifle: An "Avalon Garden City" resident was arrested Feb. 9 after allegedly discharging his AR-15 Stag Arms Model semi-automatic assault rifle inside his apartment, according to Third Squad detectives. The apartment complex is located on Stewart Avenue in E. Garden City. An investigation revealed the rifle belonged to 49-year-old Raymond Marro, Jr.

Crime Blotter: Four Teens Busted for Trespassing on County Property: With the assistance of Nassau County security officers and other Garden City officers, Officer Fracassa arrested four youths, ages 15-16, from Garden City and Floral Park Feb. 19 for criminal trespass. They were observed in a closed vacant county building located on County Seat Drive.