We invite our Aquin families, friends, and community members to join us as we listen to Lieutenant William Gleason's heroic and inspiring message. Lt. Gleason a highly decorated retired New York City Fire Department Lieutenant and a World Trade Center Rescuer, will be speaking at Aquin High School on May 22, 2018 at 10:45am in the Aquin Auditorium (please use the Galena Street entrance).

Lt. Gleason will share with us his experience on September 11, 2001, and the time after the rescue and recovery operation. Lt. Gleason brings a positive inspirational message of hope from tragedy.

I am a retired FDNY EMS Lieutenant. I have twenty one years of experience working for the City of New York, 16 years as an EMS Lieutenant, and am experienced in community relations. I joined NYC EMS in 1984, and had been an EMS Lieutenant since January 30, 1989. I was a New York State EMT and have been trained in Incident Command Systems, anti-terrorism and in hazardous material awareness.

I am a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, The International Magician Society, and a life member of The Society of American Magicians. I am a trained Scoutmaster by the Boy Scouts of America, also trained in youth protection. I am a extraordinary minister at Holy Family Church in Hicksville. I am a World Trade Center Rescuer, who is disabled due to my toxic exposure on September 11th, 2001.

I am a 1979 graduate of Connetquot High School. A certified NYS Emergency Medical Technician. Trained Medical Service Specialist USAF honorably discharged. FEMA Independent Study Program, Boy Scouts of America Scoutmaster, youth protection training, Safety afloat, swim safely, climb safely trek safely and outdoor skills. I am a former member of Bohemia Fire Department. I had been the supply officer for the stations I have been assigned to since 1987. I was the Special projects officer for Battalion 46 from 1999 until my retirement, a member of the Queens Borough Command pre-plan committee, the representative to the New York City Department of Design and Construction, roadway repair and improvement unit, for the Queens Borough Command, also the representative for the Queens Borough Command to the New York State Long Island Expressway Highway reconstruction project in 1999 until 2003.

I organized the community relations toy drives and magic shows for the Elmhurst Hospital Center. I organized the local school visits and magic shows also as community outreach programs. I was the coordinator for the Boy Scout Eagle project at Battalion 46. I have experience with community relations with the local community boards. I have experience with multi-agency operations, including the World Trade Center Operations. I am the Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts Troop 381. I have performed magic for FDNY Units, NYPD Units, and FDNY EMS Units.

I am the co-founder of the World Trade Center Rescuers Foundation, and a current vice president of the foundation. I have testified in the US Senate as an official representative of AFSME and FDNY. I am a member of the National Council of the Society of American Magicians and the current chair of the Heroism and Patriot Award Committee.

Some of the awards I have received are: The World Trade Center Rescuer, Lt. Kirby McElhern medal for heroism, Excellent Duty medal (2), vice presidential unit citation (4), numerous Pre-hospital saves, and numerous commendations. I have also received the Queens Borough Presidents awards for outstanding service, The American Legion Community Service Award, The Mount Sinai Hospital of Queens FDNY EMS Person of the year Award. The Society of American Magicians Heroism and Patriot Award.

I am married for thirty two years and have three sons.