We write today representing the Vigilant Fire Company in Great Neck, New York where Jonathan Ielpi was a member for nearly two decades and served as chief. We are disappointed that the Bravo Network chose to air a segment recently on “Princesses of Long Island” where Amanda Bertoncini clearly disrespects a community memorial and the memory of a man who gave his life in trying to help others on September 11, 2001, one of the most tragic days in our country’s history.
Jonathan died as a member of FDNY Squad 288.
We recognize that the Bravo Network will remove this segment from future airings of the show, and ask that the network make a formal apology to the Ielpi Family.
Also, in the future we hope that Bravo will exercise better judgment and greater editorial control to avoid causing unnecessary pain to others.
Each year, sadly, firefighters are killed in the line of duty. The memorial where the incident occurred at the Jonathan L. Ielpi Firefighters’ Memorial Park is dedicated to the memory of those firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice to help others in their time of need.
The Great Neck community is blessed to be served by three professionally staffed volunteer fire departments. We hope that this incident will serve as reminder to all Great Neck residents of the courage, strength and reliability of our dedicated members who are committed to our community every day, at all times whenever called to duty.
Laurence Jacobs
Chief Ken Bleck, President
David Weiss, Chairman of the Board of Trustees
