A community of great history and service

Members of the Islip Terrace Fire Department answer the call every day to provide lifesaving service. On Saturday, Dec. 14, the firefighters took a break from their solemn responsibility to bring joy to the Islip Terrace community.

Each department company took turns riding through Islip Terrace with Santa, stopping and posing for pictures while handing out candy canes to children and adult neighbors alike.

During the Santa rides, all eyes were on the 1920 Ford Model T fire truck in the procession, aptly nicknamed “The Antique.” The truck is the ITFD’s first motorized firefighting piece of equipment, acquired in 1921. The Antique had been stored in the mini museum within the building of the Islip Terrace Fire District, at 264 Beaverdam Road, for over 15 years.

Thanks to Tony Siegler, who has served the ITFD for 23 dedicated years, the vehicle has been given a new lease on life.

Siegler, known at ITFD as “Wrench,” spent several hours this summer using his mechanical skills to get The Antique—also referred to as The ‘20—running again. He also brushed up on his Model T driving skills, a unique experience in itself. 

Siegler is the only ITFD member currently able to repair and drive The Antique. 

“The simplicity of the technology that existed in 1920 is actually more difficult than vehicles of modern times,” said Siegler. “It’s an honor to keep the history alive for the members of the ITFD for the past 100 years.”

The debut ride for The Antique was on Aug. 17 at the NYS Parade held in Central Islip. Since then, the truck has been driven in the Bohemia Fire Department’s Christmas Parade on Dec. 1 and the Islip Fire Department’s Christmas Parade on Dec. 7. The ITFD’s Christmas float in the Bohemia parade—a replica of Christmastime at Rockefeller Center—won first place, evidence of more volunteers hard at work. 

As the fire department rode through Islip Terrace communities on the 14th, Siegler was joined by his wife Jean Siegler, who recently joined the Ladies Auxiliary.

Like many other ITFD families, Tony Siegler raised his children to be involved with department activities, including junior drill team training and competitions. In a special full-circle moment, Siegler’s grandchildren excitedly joined him on The Antique before the Santa run took off.

Spectators were excited to see The Antique, taking pictures and posing in front of it.

“As sirens alerted the community of our arrival, we waved and rang The Antique’s bell, greeting families who came out of their homes, sharing Christmas joy and smiles,” said Jean. “It was magical.”

The Santa ride is not the only joy-spreading event hosted by the fire department. Their first annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa was just held on Dec. 15 and was a success, and the ITFD’s Bunny Breakfast is a well-established tradition presented and run by the Ladies Auxiliary. The ITFD also hosts an independently organized golf outing, which will mark a 30-year friendly tradition in 2025.

“All these selfless individuals give of their time to bring joy and support to others,” said Jean. “In this way, we are reminded of how kindness shared is the clear definition of community.”