Fire Scorches Port Washington Fire Department Member's Home

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — A kitchen fire scorched the home of a Port Washington Fire Department member on Christmas, officials said. Firefighters were called to a home near Irma and Mullon avenues around 4:15 a.m. Wednesday, fire officials said. Assistant Chief Brian Waterson arrived at the home within minutes and alerted fellow firefighters it was an active blaze.

Firefighters were met with a significant blaze on the first floor and "quickly realized that it was the home of one of their own," the fire department said Thursday. Firefighters quickly knocked down and extinguished the blaze.

The home belonged to John Lewis, a 43-year member of the department's protection engine company. Lewis and his sons are the third and fourth generations of their family to live in the home.

"As lifelong residents of Port Washington the Lewis Family name is synonymous with the history of the Port Washington Fire Department and the Road Runners Drill Team," the department said.

Lewis' father, Bucky, was a 50-year member, as were several of his uncles. His sons Rob and Kyle are 12-year veterans and are active firefighters and members of the drill team. Furthermore, Lewis is a retired NYPD sergeant, Rob is a Marine Corps veteran and FDNY firefighter, and Kyle is a Port Washington police officer.

"The Lewis family is committed to serving others and their service does not end with the Port Washington Fire Department,"

No one was hurt, but Lewis lost nearly all his belongings and was fortunate to escape.

"As we are sure you can imagine, this will have a significant impact on the lives of John and his sons," the department said.

The fire department is joining forces with the police Patrolman’s Benevolent Association to establish an account raising money for the family. Those wanting to help can send donations to:

Port Washington Fire Department
Lewis Family Fund
423 Port Washington Blvd.
Port Washington, NY 11050

Alternatively, donations can be sent via Venmo to @PWFD850 with the note "Lewis Fund." Cash contributions can also be dropped off to the Port Washington Fire Department Monday through Friday.

The Manhasset-Lakeville Volunteer Fire Department and the Roslyn Highlands Volunteer Fire Company helped put out the blaze, while the Glenwood Fire Co., Great Neck Vigilant Fire Co. and Plandome Fire Department responded to a crash with injuries on Manorhaven Boulevard and Edgewood Road.

Port Washington firefighters answered nine fire calls on Christmas day— including a working fire — and seven for a medical emergency, Waterson told Patch.