Yet another election year for the officers and members of the East Meadow Fire Department has passed as Chiefs and company officers continue their plans on what they will accomplish to make their mark in the history of our organization.
In a fitting tribute to the past and future of the East Meadow Fire Department, officers and members, alike gathered for the annual “Swearing In” ceremonies held on April 5th, 2025 at 1pm.
On this date, the department would say thank you to Chief of Department James Walsh, and welcome new Chief Michael J. Wood to the highest of department ranks.
No stranger to the leadership of the East Meadow Fire Department, outgoing Chief Walsh, has now completed two terms of office totaling eight years. His first four years came at a time when his leadership was needed most, seeing us through a pandemic that required so many organizational changes.
The ceremony, eloquently led by Commissioner John J. Priest, Chairman of the Board, is a tradition within the organization for as long as those can remember.
In his opening address, Commissioner Priest welcomed all in attendance speaking of the many traditions our organization, just as our organization reached it’s 95th year of service to our residents.
He then tuned the podium over to outgoing Chief James Walsh who spoke of his eight years in office, thanking all those along the way, while ending with a very deserving tribute to his wife Kathleen, and children Haily, and James.
The ceremony was as much about family this year as any we can recall, as emotions ran high with all four EMFD Chiefs having family in the organization.
First to be installed was our new 3rd Asst Chief John J. O’Brien Jr. The honor of swearing him in was given to his dad Ex Chief John O’Brien Sr. John Sr’s dad, the late Edward O’Brien was Chief in 1970, making the O’Brien’s the first 3 generation family to become fire Chiefs in the East Meadow FD’s rich 95 year history.
Next to be installed was our new 2nd Asst Chief Jeffrey Rosenthal. Chief Rosenthal’s son Luke is a member of Engine Company 3. Luke was given the honor the swear in his dad. A proud moment for the Rosenthal family and their “Pride of the Meadow” Engine Company 3.
Next to accept the Oath of Office was our new 1st Asst Chief Kurt W. Becker. The son of three time Chief of Department Eric W. Becker, it was truly a moment in time as Kurt recited the Oath from his dad.
Now the time had come. What every firefighter inspires to achieve, as Chief Michael J. Wood was called to the podium. He would be sworn in by his brother Ex Captain Daniel Wood, as of Engine Company # 3.
It was now time for Chief Wood to address the full house in attendance, as he gave thanks and expressed his gratitude for all the support given him in his rise through the office, especially his beloved Engine Company 3. But the most poignant moment came as the Chief spoke of his wife Caryn whose unwavering support through his journey has meant everything to him. Chief Wood was also very grateful for the support of his boys, Firefighter Michael Wood, and Joseph, as well as his brother Ex Chief Daniel Wood.
This moment in time represented a new beginning of outstanding community service given each year by the Department.
With Chief Wood and his Assistant Chiefs now officially in place, the time came for him to administer the Oath of Office to the core of East Meadow’s bravest. One by one company Lieutenants and staff officers were called to line up where the entire group was to be sworn in.
The next group called upon were the Captains of all seven companies as well as the Squad Captains of the 55 (Safety Officers) and 99 (Advanced Life Support) squads.
The Chief also administered the Oath of Office to his administrative staff, Ladies Auxiliary, and the Junior Fire Company.
Please join us as we congratulate our 2025-2026 officers of the East Meadow Fire Department. All the very best for a safe and successful year.
DEPARTMENT OFFICERS
2025-2026
MICHAEL J. WOOD
Chief of Department
KURT W. BECKER JEFFREY ROSENTHAL JOHN J. O’BRIEN Jr
1st Asst Chief 2nd Asst Chief 3rd Asst Chief
Philip Fertitta Keith J. Hoffman James J. Kane James Walsh
Rec Secretary Corr Secretary Treasurer Sgt at Arms
ENGINE COMPANY # 1
Captain: Omar M. Hamza
1st Lieutenant: John A. Priest
2nd Lieutenant: Benedict J. Doyle
Recording Secretary: John R. Malik
Corresponding Secretary: Vincent Nocella
Treasurer: John J. Priest
Sergeant at Arms: Christopher Mongello
ENGINE COMPANY # 2
Captain: Michael Moniello
1st Lieutenant: Jordan J. Surlin
2nd Lieutenant:
Recording Secretary: Howard Bartone
Corresponding Secretary: Frank J. Ciaccio
Treasurer: Michael Baumann
ENGINE COMPANY # 3
Captain: Robert M. Schmidt
1st Lieutenant: Kenneth N. Panaro
2nd Lieutenant: Michael Cody
Recording Secretary: Luke R. Rosenthal
Corresponding Secretary: Daniel J. Wood
Treasurer: Ryan J. Schmidt
Sergeant at Arms: Craig Euler
ENGINE COMPANY # 4
Captain: Robert Morris
1st Lieutenant: Francisco Martinez
2nd Lieutenant: Brian M. Messina
Recording Secretary: Joseph G. D’Allesandro
Corresponding Secretary: Paul J. Kosiba
Treasurer: Richard Cardozo Sr
Sergeant at Arms: Willie Bedoya
HOOK & LADDER COMPANY # 1
Captain: Joseph L. Krilov
1st Lieutenant: John M. McGee
2nd Lieutenant: Christopher J. Whitenack
Recording Secretary: Richard Nunez
Corresponding Secretary: Vince Wiscovitch
Treasurer: James Callahan
LADDER COMPANY # 2
Captain: Gil E. Lugo
1st Lieutenant: Kasey E. Cheswick
2nd Lieutenant: William Giuliani
Recording Secretary: Edward J. Brennan
Corresponding Secretary: Connor P. Cheswick
Treasurer: Terence Reilly
Sergeant at Arms: Robert E. Trascoy Sr
RESCUE COMPANY # 5
Captain: Samantha Mongello
1st Lieutenant: Michael N. Strauber
2nd Lieutenant:
Recording Secretary: Jamie C. Priest
Corresponding Secretary: David J. Gravely
Treasurer: Patricia A. Magnus-Brown
Sergeant at Arms: Kelly J. Weeks
6155 SAFETY OFFICER SQUAD
Captain: Keith J. Hoffman
Lieutenant: Edward Licciardo
6199 SQUAD EMS SQUAD
Captain: Paul J. Kosiba
Lieutenant: Francis A. Pollicino
