Fire Dept. Holds Comedy Show to Restore Original Fire Engine
By Seth Wallach
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This past Saturday, the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts was the site for laughs, as Smithtown residents flocked in to support a good cause.
The Smithtown Fire Department, along with Bulldog Restoration presented their highly anticipated Adult Comedy Show. Tickets were $45, and all proceeds from the sold out event went to the restoration of an original Smithtown fire engine circa 1935.
The truck, originally owned by the Smithtown Fire Department, was repurchased in 2011. Owned by the Melville Fire Dept. since 1959, Smithtown FD jumped at the chance to get back one of their original engines when the opportunity arose two years ago. Legally, Melville could not give the antique truck away. However, they were more than willing to sell it to Smithtown — for the low low price of $1.
The truck is set to receive a full restoration, including an all-new engine and paint job. Bulldog Restoration, the working arm of the Smithtown FD’s restoration committee will be responsible for the entire restoration process. They hope to have the truck ready for action by 2014, so that it can be shown off to “anybody and everybody”, according to current restoration chairmen Jack Harford.
“This truck represents the past, present, and future of Smithtown Fire Department,” Harford said. “The labor of love, and the love of the truck means everything to us.”
Guests attending the fundraiser were treated to complementary refreshments, including beer, soda, and a variety of wines available for sampling.
One of the event’s highlights took place even before the comics hit the stage. Performer Michael Wind, a resident of nearby Hauppauge, entertained the crowd with some classic hits from the 1940’s and 50’s. Sampling songs from such greats as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin, Wind’s performance had the crowd snapping and singing along from the opening bar. What made the performance even more impressive is that Wind is only 21 years of age. “I’ve always loved the Rat Pack, especially Sinatra,” Wind said. After learning his first Sinatra song at age 6, Wind first began performing live in 2005.
Following Wind’s performance, the evening’s main event would feature six comedians, mostly hailing from the New York City/Long Island area. Rob Ryan started off the show, and instantly brought the house down with his bold, in-your-face brand of humor. This theme was echoed by the evening’s next performer, introduced by Ryan as “the crazy man” Johnny Rizzo. Rizzo, a veteran of the comedy circuit kept the good vibes going with an act so eccentric his jokes were only rivaled by his seemingly endless catalogue of facial expressions. The first half of the show concluded with a solid set from Joe Starr. Starr who has appeared in a number of film and television spots, joked about some of Long Island’s most unpronounceable destinations (i.e. Shinnecock, Patchogue).
On the other side of intermission, Brian Cichocki took to the stage to be followed by Marvin Bell and finally John Joseph. Each comic holding their own, and exiting to raucous applause. Joseph even played the audience out with a hilarious original tune on guitar.
“It’s Crazy, these guys are absolutely great!” Audience member Gary Singleton said.
“Very good! [Johnny Rizzo] had everything!” Judy Weisman added.
Fireman Joe Palazzo was responsible for much of the fundraiser’s planning and ticket sales. He was extremely pleased by the terrific turnout.
“It’s great for the community, and its even better for the seniors that are here at the fire department who have dedicated their lives to Smithtown.” Palazzo said. “It’s great to continue to have something like this antique in our community for the future.”
He looks forward to seeing the restored fire engine back on the road in 2014.