Yet another election year has passed for the officers and members of the East Meadow Fire Department as our newest Chiefs and company officers set 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 12th, 2026.
On this date, the department would say thank you to Chief of Department Michael J. Wood, and welcome new Chief Kurt Becker to the highest of department ranks.
Chief Wood was an outstanding leader for our department through his four years in the Chief’s Office.
The ceremony, led by Commissioner John J. Priest, Chairman of the Board, along with Vice Chairman Keith J. Hoffman, Commissioners, William J. Neil, Carey A. Welt, and Phillip Fertitta, 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 of our organization as we reach our 96th year of service to our community.
He then gave the floor to outgoing Chief Michael Wood who spoke expressing gratitude for all the work put forth by our members day in and day out. Saving the best for last, Mike spoke of his family. With his wife Carin looking on, Mike spoke from his heart about the how the support of family was so important during his four years. It takes a special person to be a Fire Chief’s wife.
The time now came for the swearing in of the Assistant Chiefs.
First to be installed was our new 3rd Asst Chief Edward Licciardo, followed by 2nd Asst John O’Brien Jr., and 1st Asst Chief Jeffrey A. Rosenthal.
Now the time had come. What every firefighter inspires to achieve, as Chief Kurt Becker was called to the podium. He would be sworn in by his father Eric W. Becker a three time Ex Chief of our department.
Chief Becker was now given the podium. A time to reflect on his three years with gratitude, a time to look ahead. And a moment to remember his fire service family thinking of his late grand-dad “Poppa George” Becker, an Ex Capt of Engine Company # 2, his mom Concetta, and his wife Mary who continues to inspire him as he becomes our 75 Fire Chief. No doubt a family to be proud of.
The time now came for a new beginning of outstanding community service given each year by the Department.
With Chief Becker 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 of our seven companies and two squads were called to line up.
The next group called upon were the Captains of all seven companies and the Squads.
The Chief also offered the Oath of Office to his administrative staff, Ladies Auxiliary, and the Junior Fire Company.
A new era of leadership. One that will continue to move the E.M.F.D. into the future.
Please join us as we congratulate our 2026-2027 Officers of the East Meadow Fire Department. All the very best for a safe and successful year.
DEPARTMENT OFFICERS 2026–2027
KURT W. BECKER
Chief of Department
Assistant Chiefs
- JEFFREY A. ROSENTHAL – 1st Asst Chief
- JOHN J. O’BRIEN Jr – 2nd Asst Chief
- EDWARD LICCIARDO – 3rd Asst Chief
Administrative Officers
- Philip Fertitta – Rec Secretary
- Keith J. Hoffman – Corr Secretary
- James J. Kane – Treasurer
- James P. Walsh – Sgt at Arms
ENGINE COMPANY #1
- Captain – John A. Priest
- 1st Lieutenant – Benedict J. Doyle
- 2nd Lieutenant – James J. Kane
- Recording Secretary – John R. Malik
- Corresponding Secretary – Vincent Nocella
- Treasurer – John J. Priest
- Sergeant at Arms – Christopher Mongello
ENGINE COMPANY #2
- Captain – Jordan J. Surlin
- 1st Lieutenant – Steve Narine
- 2nd Lieutenant – Marc A. Aracena
- Recording Secretary – Howard Bartone
- Corresponding Secretary – Frank J. Ciaccio
- Treasurer – Michael Baumann
ENGINE COMPANY #3
- Captain – Patrick Macaulay
- 1st Lieutenant – Michael Cody
- 2nd Lieutenant – Nicholas Montoni
- Recording Secretary – Luke R. Rosenthal
- Corresponding Secretary – Daniel J. Wood
- Treasurer – Ryan J. Schmidt
- Sergeant at Arms – Elias Nauth
ENGINE COMPANY #4
- Captain – Francisco Martinez
- 1st Lieutenant – Brianna M. Messina
- 2nd Lieutenant – Thomas E. Tergesen
- Recording Secretary – Joseph G. D’Allessandro
- Corresponding Secretary – Paul J. Kosiba
- Treasurer – Richard Cardozo Sr
- Sergeant at Arms – Will Bedoya
HOOK & LADDER COMPANY #1
- Captain – Richard S. Malik
- 1st Lieutenant – Christopher J. Whitenack
- 2nd Lieutenant – Mark Williams
- Recording Secretary – Richard Nunez
- Corresponding Secretary – Vince Wiscovitch
- Treasurer – John A. Morris
LADDER COMPANY #2
- Captain – Kasey E. Cheswick
- 1st Lieutenant – William Giuliani
- 2nd Lieutenant – Connor P. Cheswick
- Recording Secretary – Edward J. Brennan
- Corresponding Secretary – Gil E. Lugo
- Treasurer – Terence C. Reilly
- Sergeant at Arms – Robert E. Trascoy
RESCUE COMPANY #5
- Captain – Susanne Mongello
- 1st Lieutenant – Samantha Mongello
- 2nd Lieutenant – Victoria Capasso
- Recording Secretary – Ashley Ulmschneider
- Corresponding Secretary – David J. Gravely
- Treasurer – Patricia Magnus-Brown
- Sergeant at Arms – Nicholas Xhindolli
6155 SAFETY OFFICER SQUAD
- Captain – James P. Walsh
- Lieutenant – Martin Sisca
6199 SQUAD EMS SQUAD
- Captain – Paul J. Kosiba
- Lieutenant – Francis A. Pollicino
