by Ivan Pereira
Fire Engine Company 302 in South Ozone Park has long been a community presence for the people in southeast Queens. For 100 years, the firefighters of Engine 302 and Ladder Company 155, which shares the firehouse, have fought tens of thousands of fires, saved countless lives, and improved the safety of South Jamaica, South Ozone Park and John F. Kennedy Airport.
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"A lot of guys have given 100 percent and sacrificed a lot for the people of the community," said Capt. Anthony Varriale.
On Tuesday, Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta joined past and present members of the company to celebrate its century of service with a plaque presentation at the firehouse. Scoppetta commended the company, which is nicknamed the "Viper's Nest" for being a major part in the development of Queens county during the turn of the 20th century.
"People came to the borough for a safe environment to raise their kids, and you, the members of 302, have helped them by keeping it safe," he said.
Engine 302 began as the volunteer company known as the "Distler Hose Company #3" on 150th Street and Jamaica Avenue in the 19th century, Varriale said. After Queens joined the four other boroughs to form New York City in 1898, the volunteer fire houses were consolidated into a single paid fire department.
On July 5, 1907, Engine 302 was officially established in the quarters of Distler #3. In 1931 the company moved to its current quarters at 143-15 Rockaway Blvd. and in 1947 the company shared its firehouse with Ladder 155, according to Varriale. Over the last 100 years, the firehouse has handled numerous fires and disasters, including the 727 plane crash on Rockaway Boulevard in 1975, the Sept. 11 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the plane crash in the Rockaways in November 2001.
"When you think about it, 100 years is really a hell of a long time to be in service. There have been a lot of changes...[but] what has never changed in this department are the qualities that you possess," Scoppetta said.
Varriale said that his team is always grateful for working in the community, because most residents show their gratitude for their work.
"Any time we're called to an emergency, people tell us how we're doing a good job," he said.
The love of the job also carries over to the firefighters' friendships both in and out the firehouse, as all members consider themselves part of a special family, Varriale said. That camaraderie was so strong that it spurred firefighter Steven Kuefner, 37, to follow the footsteps of his father, Ret. Lt. Thomas, 63, and join the engine company.
"I was familiar with the house as a kid and I always wanted to come back. My dad brought me in all the time for Christmas parties, and it was always fun," he said.
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