Orange County welcomes back Tankasali and new firefighters

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NEW HAMPTON – Orange County Firefighters, families, and county officials welcomed Deputy Fire Commissioner Vini Tankasali back, along with welcoming their newest class of 21 volunteer firefighters.

Tankasali recovered from a more than eight week battle with COVID-19, much of the time hospitalized and had to receive ventilator treatment.

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus honored Tankasali before the graduation ceremony and said he is extremely happy to have him back and healthy. With the constant struggles for everyone resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, Neuhaus said this ceremony was one of the best things he has been able to attend.

OC Executive Steve Neuhaus and Vini Tankasali

It’s probably one of the best things I’ve been to this year and it’s great to Commissioner Tankasali, who was ill, back and working and taking care of his son and his wife. That was two great things tonight,” said Neuhaus.

While Tankasali was battling COVID, the volunteer firefighter students were struggling with continuing the training they had started before the pandemic and had to make many adjustments while communities were in a precarious situation. Tankasali said coming back and being honored with the new students, in the community he loves, was emotional for him and he thanked the firefighting community for having his back through his illness.

“The support I’ve had from the fire departments, it’s been unimaginable and it’s been a lot of people out there supporting me through the battled I had,” said Tankasali. “To come out again and see the graduates who are part of the fire service and really the essence of the fire service, is what I love and why I love doing this job. It’s great to see that and be part of it,” he said.

Tankasali and the new class of graduates will be out serving the community, through various fire departments in the county, immediately.




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