Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Kristen Keller. Kristen Keller joined the Lakeland Fire Department in 2007 and currently serves as EMS Chief, a role she also held in 2020, 2021, and again in 2024. Over the years, she has held several leadership positions within the department on the EMS side, and is the Department’s Corporation Secretary. Kristen is a CPR instructor for the department. Fire service runs in the family—her mother, Sue, a former EMS Chief, and her brother, Mike, are also members. Kristen met her husband, Dan, at Lakeland; they married in 2020 and have a daughter, Mackenzie.

Outside of the fire department, Kristen is a Paramedic Supervisor at Northwell Health Center for EMS, where she began as an EMT in 2013 and advanced through roles including Paramedic and Critical Care Paramedic. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music with a focus on voice. She sings at local churches, performs in theatre, and regularly performs the national anthem at various events, including 9/11 ceremonies, Installation Dinners, and sporting events.

Lakeland EMS Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/lakelandfdems?igsh=MXdiY3F6am8yMmhkag==
Website: Home - Lakeland Fire Rescue

Sitting with me in the Firehouse is Evan Schatzberg. Born into a family of firefighters, Evan Schatzberg has fire service in his blood. As the Deputy Chief of the Plainview Fire Department, Schatzberg has dedicated 27 years of his life to protecting his community. Following in the footsteps of his father, who has been with the department for an impressive 56 years, Schatzberg joined at just 18 years old and has held every rank, from second lieutenant to first lieutenant to captain. With his uncle recently celebrating 50 years of service, it's clear that Schatzberg was destined for a career in the fire department. Drawing on the invaluable experience of responding to calls alongside his father, Schatzberg has developed an unparalleled expertise that makes him an indispensable asset to the Plainview Fire Department.

Born in Hicksville but raised in East Northport, Carolyn Schatzberg has dedicated over a decade of service to the Plainview Volunteer Fire Department. As President of the Ladies Auxiliary since 2010, Carolyn plays a vital role in supporting the department's operations and community efforts.

Under Carolyn's leadership, the Auxiliary has evolved to meet the changing needs of the fire service. They now coordinate essential services like providing meals during trainings and lengthy fire calls, as well as hosting the annual children's holiday party. Carolyn's passion for the fire department runs deep - her husband Evan is the 1st Deputy Chief, and the Schatzberg family has a long history of involvement.

Outside of the firehouse, Carolyn indulges her diverse interests, from playing the bagpipes with Tara Pipes & Drums to sewing (earning her the high school nickname "Crayon"). As she steps down from her officer role this year, Carolyn looks forward to supporting the next generation of Auxiliary volunteers and staying involved as an active member.