East Meadow Fire Department
Encyclopedia
The East Meadow Fire Department (EMFD) is a volunteer fire department
headquartered in East Meadow, New York
. As one of the larger fire districts in Nassau County
(7.5 square miles), it is responsible for parts of neighboring hamlets
and unincorporated communities of Levittown
, Westbury
, Uniondale
, and East Garden City. The East Meadow Fire Department has approximately 250 members using 19 pieces of apparatus
located throughout 5 Stations
.
The Chief of the Department
is Carl L. Pugliese.
The First Assistant Chief
is Nicholas E. Corrado.
The Second Assistant Chief
is Walter P. Griffin Jr.
The Third Assistant Chief
is Robert W. Salvesen Jr.
The East Meadow Fire Department held its first meeting on April on April 3, 1930. The names of 36 members were listed with a notation that 22 were association members. The meeting hall and firehouse was on Maple Avenue, the current site of the Volunteers & Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association of East Meadow.
Company 1 (now known as Hook & Ladder Company 1) manned the 1917 Mack Ladder truck with a chemical tank that was purchased from the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department.
Company 2 (now known as Engine Company 2) held its first company meeting in January 1931. When the newly purchased 1931 GMC 500 G.P.M. pumper was delivered on March 5, 1931 they were assigned the 1917 Mack and Company 1 got the new pumper.
Arthur Brisbane
, the famous publisher, donated his 1920's Peirce Arrow touring car to the fire department. The members converted it to the racing rig shown below and were known as "The Suicide Squad." A member designed the rear wheels skirts. I was used as an emergency vehicle.
A Ford Floodlight truck was purchased in 1936 and refurbished in 1940 as shown below. Members who were Fire Police and Rescue personnel manned it. It also served as an emergency transportation vehicle.
Company 2 was assigned a new 1937 Buffalo 500 G.P.M. Pumper. This truck served in two other companies before it was retired in 1961.
In 1931 the residents approved a $15,000 bond issue that provided for a firehouse on Newbridge Avenue (now East Meadow Avenue) and Park Avenue and one pumper along with other equipment. Upon completion in 1932, Company 2 moved in with the 1917 Mack Ladder truck. Company 1 remained at the Maple Avenue firehouse that was owned by the firemen's Association.
In 1936 the Commissioners purchased land adjacent to the school located off the southeast corner of Front Street and Newbridge Avenue (now East Meadow Avenue) but were unable to get the residents to approve a firehouse. Company 1 moved in with Company 2 and shared the only firehouse owned by the District at that time.
The end of WWII created a building boom and in 1947 an $86,000 bond issue was approved by just 2 votes. In 1948 a 3 bay firehouse was built on the land purchased in 1936. Company 1 moved in with the GMC pumper and the Floodlight that was used as an Emergency and Fire Police Unit. In 1949 a public referendum
approved a $20,000 for the purchase of a "quadruple combination fire truck" and improvements to the alarm system. The bond issue to build a firehouse on the land that was donated by Arthur Levitt was defeated.
Hose Company 3 (now known as Engine Company 3) held its first meeting on October 29, 1948 at the Newbridge Avenue firehouse. When the bond issue for their firehouse was defeated, a surplus WWII Quonset hut
was purchased and erected at Newbridge Road and Carnation Road in Levittown by volunteers of the department. On July 2, 1951 the firehouse was completed and became the quarters for Company 3.
In 1951 a $114,000 general improvement bond was approved. This provided funds for the following:(1) A firehouse at Carmen Avenue and Salisbury Park Drive in Westbury and improvements to Company 3, (2) additional land and building additions for Company 1 and 2, (3) two Ward La France 750 G.P.M. pumpers, (4) an extension of the alarm system, (5) two way radios for the trucks (6) three salaried maintenance men for the care of the equipment, buildings and alarm system.
In 1952 a one-story addition was erected to the rear wall of the Newbridge Avenue firehouse that was then called Headquarters. This added a bay a commissioner's room.
Company 4 firehouse was erected and the company went into service on January 1, 1953.
The building boom continued with the construction of dwellings and mercantile structures. With the rapid growth the responsibility of the Fire District became greater. Additional and adequate protection had to be provided for the increased population and properties.
The Fire Police and Rescue Company held its first meeting on March 9, 1953. When the famous "White GMC Heavy Rescue Truck" arrived later in the year, the Fire Police became a Squad within the company and manned the floodlight truck with no rescue or first aid duties. Rescue Company 5 has been based at the East Meadow Avenue firehouse since its inception. Fire Police were phased out in the 1960s.
Ladder Company 2 held its first meeting on March 2, 1956 at the Company 3 firehouse and was later assigned the 1950 Ward La France Quard when Company 1 got a new 85' American La France Aerial Ladder Truck.
On April 10, 1956 Engine Company 1 held its first meeting and was stationed at Headquarters with Hook & Ladder Company 1 (formally Company 1) and Rescue Company 5. The 1937 Buffalo was refurbished and assigned to them.
In 1959-60 two bays were added and the upper level was extended. In 1967 another story was added to the rear 1952 addition that became the District Boardroom.
In 1980 an Emergency Squad was created and opened by members of Engine Company 4.
In 1990 a special squad staffed by members of the Fire Department who are Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians was created. Also, a Safety Officers Squad staffed by Ex-Chiefs and Ex-Captains was formed.
that is activated when his company is selected. Our alarm and communications equipment is the most modern available today.
In 1958 we were the first fire department in Nassau County to install a system to refill our air breathing tanks with our own cascade storage system. This was upgraded to a modern system that produces and refills our tanks.
In 1959 we established a Bureau of Fire Prevention that had fire inspections and conducted Fire Prevention Programs. This progressed to the appointment of a paid part time District Chief Fire Inspector. Members of the department present the fire protection programs.
supplied by approximately 130 miles of water mains
. The East Meadow Water District is managed and maintained by the Town of Hempstead Water Department, which also manages the Uniondale Water District, Bowling Green Water District, Levittown Water District, and the Point Lookout-Lido Water District.
acts of September 11, 2001
, the New York City Fire Department
(FDNY) requested mutual aid
from surrounding areas including the East Meadow Fire Department. Engine 613, Ladder 619, Rescue 616, and Ambulances 615 & 6144 were all requested and provided assistance on that day and the days that followed.
, the United States Navy
Recruiting Center, the Nassau County Jail, the 21-story Nassau University Medical Center Dynamic Care Building in addition to the facilities that support this operation. The U.S. Naval Housing at Mitchel Manor is also a location with a population that often fluxuates during tours of duty. There are several large mercantile operations that include Home Depot, Wal-Mart
and Marshals along with a variety of other stores.[1]
Volunteer fire department
See also the Firefighter article and its respective sections regarding VFDs in other countries.A volunteer fire department is a fire department composed of volunteers who perform fire suppression and other related emergency services for a local jurisdiction.The first organized force of...
headquartered in East Meadow, New York
East Meadow, New York
East Meadow is a hamlet in Nassau County , New York, United States. East Meadow is an unincorporated area in the Town of Hempstead....
. As one of the larger fire districts in Nassau County
Nassau County, New York
Nassau County is a suburban county on Long Island, east of New York City in the U.S. state of New York, within the New York Metropolitan Area. As of the 2010 census, the population was 1,339,532...
(7.5 square miles), it is responsible for parts of neighboring hamlets
Hamlet (place)
A hamlet is usually a rural settlement which is too small to be considered a village, though sometimes the word is used for a different sort of community. Historically, when a hamlet became large enough to justify building a church, it was then classified as a village...
and unincorporated communities of Levittown
Levittown, New York
Levittown is a hamlet in the Town of Hempstead located on Long Island in Nassau County, New York. Levittown is midway between the villages of Hempstead and Farmingdale. As of the 2010 census, the CDP had a total population of 51,881....
, Westbury
Westbury, New York
Westbury incorporated in 1932 as a village in Nassau County, New York in the United States. The population was 15,146 at the 2010 census.The Village of Westbury is in the Town of North Hempstead....
, Uniondale
Uniondale, New York
Uniondale is a hamlet as well as a suburb of New York City in Nassau County, New York, United States, on Long Island, in the Town of Hempstead. The population was 24,759 at the 2010 United States Census.-Geography:...
, and East Garden City. The East Meadow Fire Department has approximately 250 members using 19 pieces of apparatus
Fire apparatus
A fire apparatus, fire engine, fire truck, or fire appliance is a vehicle designed to assist in fighting fires by transporting firefighters to the scene and providing them with access to the fire, along with water or other equipment...
located throughout 5 Stations
Fire station
A fire station is a structure or other area set aside for storage of firefighting apparatus , personal protective equipment, fire hose, fire extinguishers, and other fire extinguishing equipment...
.
The Chief of the Department
Fire chief
Fire Chief is a top executive rank or commanding officer in a fire department, either elected or appointed...
is Carl L. Pugliese.
The First Assistant Chief
Fire chief
Fire Chief is a top executive rank or commanding officer in a fire department, either elected or appointed...
is Nicholas E. Corrado.
The Second Assistant Chief
Fire chief
Fire Chief is a top executive rank or commanding officer in a fire department, either elected or appointed...
is Walter P. Griffin Jr.
The Third Assistant Chief
Fire chief
Fire Chief is a top executive rank or commanding officer in a fire department, either elected or appointed...
is Robert W. Salvesen Jr.
History
The East Meadow Volunteer Firemen's Association held its first meeting on August 24, 1922. On May 19, 1927, they suggested that a Tax District be created. On December 27, 1929 a resolution was filed and on January 27, 1930, The Nassau County Board of Supervisors established the East Meadow Fire District. An election was held on February 27, 1930 and five Commissioners were elected.The East Meadow Fire Department held its first meeting on April on April 3, 1930. The names of 36 members were listed with a notation that 22 were association members. The meeting hall and firehouse was on Maple Avenue, the current site of the Volunteers & Exempt Firemen's Benevolent Association of East Meadow.
Company 1 (now known as Hook & Ladder Company 1) manned the 1917 Mack Ladder truck with a chemical tank that was purchased from the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department.
Company 2 (now known as Engine Company 2) held its first company meeting in January 1931. When the newly purchased 1931 GMC 500 G.P.M. pumper was delivered on March 5, 1931 they were assigned the 1917 Mack and Company 1 got the new pumper.
Arthur Brisbane
Arthur Brisbane
Arthur Brisbane was one of the best known American newspaper editors of the 20th century.-Biography:...
, the famous publisher, donated his 1920's Peirce Arrow touring car to the fire department. The members converted it to the racing rig shown below and were known as "The Suicide Squad." A member designed the rear wheels skirts. I was used as an emergency vehicle.
A Ford Floodlight truck was purchased in 1936 and refurbished in 1940 as shown below. Members who were Fire Police and Rescue personnel manned it. It also served as an emergency transportation vehicle.
Company 2 was assigned a new 1937 Buffalo 500 G.P.M. Pumper. This truck served in two other companies before it was retired in 1961.
In 1931 the residents approved a $15,000 bond issue that provided for a firehouse on Newbridge Avenue (now East Meadow Avenue) and Park Avenue and one pumper along with other equipment. Upon completion in 1932, Company 2 moved in with the 1917 Mack Ladder truck. Company 1 remained at the Maple Avenue firehouse that was owned by the firemen's Association.
In 1936 the Commissioners purchased land adjacent to the school located off the southeast corner of Front Street and Newbridge Avenue (now East Meadow Avenue) but were unable to get the residents to approve a firehouse. Company 1 moved in with Company 2 and shared the only firehouse owned by the District at that time.
The end of WWII created a building boom and in 1947 an $86,000 bond issue was approved by just 2 votes. In 1948 a 3 bay firehouse was built on the land purchased in 1936. Company 1 moved in with the GMC pumper and the Floodlight that was used as an Emergency and Fire Police Unit. In 1949 a public referendum
Referendum
A referendum is a direct vote in which an entire electorate is asked to either accept or reject a particular proposal. This may result in the adoption of a new constitution, a constitutional amendment, a law, the recall of an elected official or simply a specific government policy. It is a form of...
approved a $20,000 for the purchase of a "quadruple combination fire truck" and improvements to the alarm system. The bond issue to build a firehouse on the land that was donated by Arthur Levitt was defeated.
Hose Company 3 (now known as Engine Company 3) held its first meeting on October 29, 1948 at the Newbridge Avenue firehouse. When the bond issue for their firehouse was defeated, a surplus WWII Quonset hut
Quonset hut
A Quonset hut is a lightweight prefabricated structure of corrugated galvanized steel having a semicircular cross section. The design was based on the Nissen hut developed by the British during World War I...
was purchased and erected at Newbridge Road and Carnation Road in Levittown by volunteers of the department. On July 2, 1951 the firehouse was completed and became the quarters for Company 3.
In 1951 a $114,000 general improvement bond was approved. This provided funds for the following:(1) A firehouse at Carmen Avenue and Salisbury Park Drive in Westbury and improvements to Company 3, (2) additional land and building additions for Company 1 and 2, (3) two Ward La France 750 G.P.M. pumpers, (4) an extension of the alarm system, (5) two way radios for the trucks (6) three salaried maintenance men for the care of the equipment, buildings and alarm system.
In 1952 a one-story addition was erected to the rear wall of the Newbridge Avenue firehouse that was then called Headquarters. This added a bay a commissioner's room.
Company 4 firehouse was erected and the company went into service on January 1, 1953.
The building boom continued with the construction of dwellings and mercantile structures. With the rapid growth the responsibility of the Fire District became greater. Additional and adequate protection had to be provided for the increased population and properties.
The Fire Police and Rescue Company held its first meeting on March 9, 1953. When the famous "White GMC Heavy Rescue Truck" arrived later in the year, the Fire Police became a Squad within the company and manned the floodlight truck with no rescue or first aid duties. Rescue Company 5 has been based at the East Meadow Avenue firehouse since its inception. Fire Police were phased out in the 1960s.
Ladder Company 2 held its first meeting on March 2, 1956 at the Company 3 firehouse and was later assigned the 1950 Ward La France Quard when Company 1 got a new 85' American La France Aerial Ladder Truck.
On April 10, 1956 Engine Company 1 held its first meeting and was stationed at Headquarters with Hook & Ladder Company 1 (formally Company 1) and Rescue Company 5. The 1937 Buffalo was refurbished and assigned to them.
In 1959-60 two bays were added and the upper level was extended. In 1967 another story was added to the rear 1952 addition that became the District Boardroom.
In 1980 an Emergency Squad was created and opened by members of Engine Company 4.
In 1990 a special squad staffed by members of the Fire Department who are Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians was created. Also, a Safety Officers Squad staffed by Ex-Chiefs and Ex-Captains was formed.
Dispatch Center
The history our alarm and members alerting system also reflects our commitment to give the residents the most modern and best protection a fire department can deliver. It began with a discarded Long Island locomotive rim that was purchased for $15. It was placed in front of a house located on Prospect Avenue on November 24, 1924. The rim was struck with a sledgehammer to alert the firemen who would respond and converge to the point where the smoke was seen. Then came the telephone and the sounding of the sirens for the firemen to respond to the firehouse where the location of the fire was given. Then came fire pull down alarm boxes that were replaced with telephone alarm boxes. Since 1951 we have had our own paid dispatchers and maintenance staff. In 1959 we pioneered with the installation and utilization of a tone activated radio alerting system. It was believed to have been the first of its kind that could select individual companies or the entire membership. Currently every member is issued a pagerPager
A pager is a simple personal telecommunications device for short messages. A one-way numeric pager can only receive a message consisting of a few digits, typically a phone number that the user is then requested to call...
that is activated when his company is selected. Our alarm and communications equipment is the most modern available today.
In 1958 we were the first fire department in Nassau County to install a system to refill our air breathing tanks with our own cascade storage system. This was upgraded to a modern system that produces and refills our tanks.
In 1959 we established a Bureau of Fire Prevention that had fire inspections and conducted Fire Prevention Programs. This progressed to the appointment of a paid part time District Chief Fire Inspector. Members of the department present the fire protection programs.
East Meadow Water District
On March 22, 1949 the East Meadow Water District was established and in April 1951 the one and a quarter million gallon water tank was completed. This was a major addition to our fire fighting capabilities and protection to the district. Prior to this the water supply was from 11 ground well hydrants, The Meadowbrook, ponds, water extinguishers, 5-gallon portable water tanks and water tanks on the pumpers. Our water supply is currently from 1100 hydrantsFire hydrant
A fire hydrant , is an active fire protection measure, and a source of water provided in most urban, suburban and rural areas with municipal water service to enable firefighters to tap into the municipal water...
supplied by approximately 130 miles of water mains
Water supply network
A water supply system or water supply network is a system of engineered hydrologic and hydraulic components which provide water supply. A water supply system typically includes:# A drainage basin ;...
. The East Meadow Water District is managed and maintained by the Town of Hempstead Water Department, which also manages the Uniondale Water District, Bowling Green Water District, Levittown Water District, and the Point Lookout-Lido Water District.
ISO
In 1960 the National Board of Fire Underwriters (now ISO) inspection, awarded us classification grade 4. We are one of the first two volunteer fire departments in the USA to be granted this fire protection classification. In 1970 the reinspection elevated us to class 3. The most recent inspection brought us within 4 points of a classification 2. A fully paid fire department would be very pleased to have this grading.Racing and Drill Team
The East Meadow Fire Department racing teams were very outstanding when we competed in the motorized events. There are no records that indicate the "Suicide Squad" of the 1930s performed to the level of "The Meadowlarks" who were New York State Champs in 1946 and 1958. They were always top contenders in Nassau and Suffolk Counties until we retired from the motorized competition events. Currently they compete only in the old fashion tournaments.Chiefs Association
The East Meadow Chief's Association held its first meeting on February 13. 1998. Their purpose is to support the current Chiefs and exchange ideas. They meet three times a year.Ladies Auxiliary
The Ladies Auxiliary was established in January 1924 and served the Old Association and the East Meadow FD. They played a very important role in fund raising and are a welcome sight to members at alarms when refreshments are required. They participate as a unit in all EMFD parades. Their marching units are outstanding and have an exceptional record of awards.Junior Fire Co.
The East Meadow Fire department has a junior fire company consisting off over 15 junior firefighters. Amongst whom are the future firefighters in training to become full fledged firefighters once they turn 18. Although the junior firefighters do not respond to calls they are always available to help when needed.September 11, 2001
Following the terroristTerrorism
Terrorism is the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion. In the international community, however, terrorism has no universally agreed, legally binding, criminal law definition...
acts of September 11, 2001
September 11, 2001 attacks
The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks The September 11 attacks (also referred to as September 11, September 11th or 9/119/11 is pronounced "nine eleven". The slash is not part of the pronunciation...
, the New York City Fire Department
New York City Fire Department
The New York City Fire Department or the Fire Department of the City of New York has the responsibility for protecting the citizens and property of New York City's five boroughs from fires and fire hazards, providing emergency medical services, technical rescue as well as providing first response...
(FDNY) requested mutual aid
Mutual aid (emergency services)
In emergency services, mutual aid is an agreement among emergency responders to lend assistance across jurisdictional boundaries. This may occur due to an emergency response that exceeds local resources, such as a disaster or a multiple-alarm fire. Mutual aid may be ad hoc, requested only when...
from surrounding areas including the East Meadow Fire Department. Engine 613, Ladder 619, Rescue 616, and Ambulances 615 & 6144 were all requested and provided assistance on that day and the days that followed.
Line of Duty Deaths
- Firefighter George Leggio Jr.
- Engine Company 3
- Ex Captain James Landrigan
- Engine Company 2
- September 29, 1977
- 1st Assistant Chief Robert Reed
- Engine Company 4
- Firefighter Walter Ernst
- Engine Company 4
East Meadow Fire District
The Board of Fire Commissioners consists of five unpaid elected officials, who serve a five year term. The board meets on a monthly basis to make procedures, policies and oversee the fire district.- Chairman: Carey A. Welt
- Vice-Chairman: Michael L. Finkelman
- Commissioner: William J. Neill
- Commissioner: James M. Surless
- Commissioner: Scott Farber
- Supervisor: Gary J. Nauth
- Secretary: Diane Bartone
- Treasurer: Raymond L'Hommedieu
- Fire Inspector: James T. Darcey
Fire Stations
- Headquarters - 197 East Meadow Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554
- Station 1 - 340 East Meadow Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554
- Station 2 - East Meadow Avenue & Park Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554
- Station 3 - North Newbridge Road & Carnation Road, Levittown, NY 11756
- Station 4 - 4 Bob Reed Lane, Westbury, NY 11590
- Chiefs Office - 597 East Meadow Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554
- District Building - 197 East Meadow Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554
Apparatus
- Headquarters - Ambulance 615, Ambulance 6115, Firemedic 6199, Safety Officer 6155, Spare Engine 6114
- Station 1 - Engine 611, Ladder 617, Heavy Rescue 616
- Station 2 - Engine 612
- Station 3 - Engine 613, Ladder 619
- Station 4 - Engine 614, Ambulance 6144
Population and Protection Areas
The area includes over 14,000 residences with an estimated population of 55,000. The potential number of persons in the district is difficult to establish. There are large office buildings, the Nassau County Eisenhower ParkEisenhower Park
Eisenhower Park is centrally located in East Meadow, New York bordered by Hempstead Turnpike on the south and Old Country Road on the north. At , it is larger than Central Park, with much of the area devoted to three 18-hole golf courses, including the Red Course, host to the annual Commerce Bank...
, the United States Navy
United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is the largest in the world; its battle fleet tonnage is greater than that of the next 13 largest navies combined. The U.S...
Recruiting Center, the Nassau County Jail, the 21-story Nassau University Medical Center Dynamic Care Building in addition to the facilities that support this operation. The U.S. Naval Housing at Mitchel Manor is also a location with a population that often fluxuates during tours of duty. There are several large mercantile operations that include Home Depot, Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
and Marshals along with a variety of other stores.[1]