Four East Meadow Firefighters Honored for their Service by Nassau County

On August 22, 2024, four members of the East Meadow Fire Department were honored by Congressman Anthony D’Esposito at the Nassau County First Responders Award ceremony.

“Tonight, these men were honored for not only answering the call for help, but for going above and beyond in doing so. These men served in many ways not only the residents of the East Meadow Fire District, but for this country, and the City of New York”, the Congressman added.


L to R: Commissioner William J. Neill, Commissioner John J. Priest, Ex Chief James Aspenleiter Sr, Ex Chief Eric W. Becker, 3rd Asst Chief Jeffrey Rosenthal, 2nd Asst Chief Kurt Becker

Receiving the Nassau County First Responder Awards were:

Ex Chief Eric W. Becker

On March 20, 1978, Eric W. Becker joined the East Meadow Fire Department after serving four years as a Junior Firefighter. Following in his father’s footsteps (the late Ex Captain George Becker), Eric hit the ground running as an active member of Engine Company Two, consistently ranking in the top 5 of the company. He served as Company Lieutenant in 1992-1993 and became Captain in 1994. After his tenure as Captain, Eric returned to the ranks, maintaining his position in the top 5 until he became the 3rd Assistant Chief in 1997. In 1999, Chief Becker ascended to Chief of the Department, serving with distinct honor. Remarkably, he served two more terms as Chief, totaling twelve years—the only member of the East Meadow Fire Department to do so.

His personal career has been even more impressive.  Now retired, Eric is a decorated 1st Grade Detective with the NYPD Emergency Services Unit. As part of the elite FEMA Task Force One Rescue team, his distinguished career included participation in the Rescue and Recovery efforts at the World Trade Center Ground Zero, a response to the Bombing at the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City in April 1995, and a response to the ravaged areas from Hurricane Hugo in September of 1989.

In 1991, he received the Nassau County Fire Commission Meritorious Duty Award for rescuing a victim from a working house fire. It would be just the beginning of many awards of Valor Eric would receive.

A commander and leader in every way throughout his career, Chief Becker has always led by example. Back in East Meadow, he continues to respond to all Engine 2 alarms even today and, at the age of 64, still gets out of bed at 3 a.m., often being the first at the firehouse to drive the Engine.

For over 20 years, Chief Becker has been a Second Deputy Instructor at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy, where he teaches and mentors Nassau County’s firefighters. In addition to his work at the Academy, Chief Becker has also serves as an active member of the East Meadow Fire Department Training Committee for over 25 years. Today, his commitment to service continues as he remains an active firefighter, Academy Instructor, Training Committee member, and the Secretary to the Board of Fire Commissioners.

Proudly following in Eric’s footsteps is his son Kurt, who joined our department at the age of 18, demonstrated outstanding firefighter skills, moved up the ranks in Engine Company 2, and is now our 2nd Asst Chief.

Ex-Chief Eric Becker’s unwavering dedication to the Fire Service in Nassau County, the East Meadow Fire Department, the City of New York, and our Nation, makes him exceedingly deserving of recognition.

 Ex Chief Arthur W. Sperr

On August 4,1963, Arthur W. Sperr joined the East Meadow Fire Department’s Engine Company Two, quickly establishing himself as a very active member.

Demonstrating outstanding skills as a firefighter, and leader, Artie rose through the ranks of company office serving first as Lieutenant, which then led to his election as Captain of Engine Company Two in 1969 and again in 1975. In 1976, he was elected as the 3rd Assistant Chief of the Department, ultimately becoming Chief in 1979.

After his term as Chief of Department, Ex-Chief Sperr continued his service alongside the men of Engine Company # 2 for the residents of East Meadow in spite of serious injury.

On February 28, 1983, Ex-Chief Sperr courageously responded to a working building fire on Merrick Avenue. Alongside another firefighter, he entered the building to search for victims. The fire intensified, causing a rollover and trapping Ex-Chief Sperr, separating him from his fellow firefighter. Despite suffering severe burns, Ex-Chief Sperr was rescued and made a remarkable recovery with the help of the Nassau County Burn Unit. His determination and passion for service saw him return to the firehouse, where he continued to drive the Engine 612 to calls. When the Rescue Company needed assistance, Ex-Chief Sperr stepped up to become the Chauffeur, driving the ambulance for years.

In 2023, Chief Arthur Sperr reached a milestone of service to our community surpassing 60 years as an  East Meadow firefighter. Prior to joining the EMFD, Artie was a dedicated volunteer firefighter in Hempstead.

Throughout his illustrious career and well into his 80s, Ex-Chief Sperr has remained an active member of Engine Company Two and the East Meadow Fire Department.

Artie’s wife Phyllis has been an integral part of the East Meadow Fire Department herself with more than 30 years of active service of Rescue Company # 5 setting records with achieving the top honors for most alarms answered for 15 years straight.

Ex-Chief Arthur Sperr’s more than 60 years of unwavering dedication, resilience, and selfless service make him exceptionally deserving of this recognition.

 Ex-Chief James Aspenleiter Sr.

James Aspenleiter Sr joined the East Meadow fire Department as a member of Engine Company # 3 on October 15, 1979 quickly establishing himself as a very active member.

His commitment and drive led him to being awarded the Company’s Fireman of the Year award both in 1982 and again in 2008. In 1984, James was elected as 2nd Lieutenant, in 1985 as 1st Lieutenant, and in 1986 as Captain. He was re-elected Captain in 1987, 1990, and 1991. In 1992, James was elected 3rd Assistant Chief, and after four years in the Chief’s Office, he was elected as Chief of Department in 1995.

Prior to his joining, Chief Aspenleiter was a decorated U.S. Marine serving our Nation in a most critical window of time.

A dedicated father of three, including two former Captains and life members, one former member, and a grandfather to one active member, Jim and his late wife Elsie had built a dynasty of volunteers who were always ready to serve our community.

All the reason for Jim to carry the nickname of “Pops” throughout his volunteer career.

After his term as Chief of Department, Ex-Chief Aspenleiter returned to Engine Company Three, where he continued to serve actively. Throughout his illustrious career, he has remained an active member of Engine Company Three, and a Trustee of the East Meadow Fireman’s Benevolent Association.

To-date, Jim has devoted more than 45 years to the East Meadow Fire Department where he continues to serve.

It is a privilege for our members to witness a man of such great integrity, dedication, and community pride, receive this highest of honors from the County of Nassau.

Captain James K. Aspenleiter

On August 21, 1978, James Aspenleiter joined the East Meadow Fire Department as a member of Engine Company Three, having already spent four years as a Junior Firefighter.

From his first day, Jimmy established himself as an active and committed firefighter. His dedication was recognized in 1983 when he received the Company’s Fireman of the Year award. In 1991, Jimmy was elected as 2nd Lieutenant, followed by his election as 1st Lieutenant in 1992, and Captain in 1993. After serving his term as Captain, Jimmy continued to be an active member of the company and held office four more times, culminating in 15 years of service in office and becoming the Company’s first four-time Ex-Captain.

After his last term in 2014, Captain Aspenleiter remained an influential leader within the company, mentoring younger firefighters. In 2022, he was elected once again to office as 2nd Lieutenant, then as 1st Lieutenant in 2023, and he is currently serving as Captain of the Company—the first five-time Captain in Engine Company Three.

Captain James Aspenleiter Jr.’s dedication to service, unwavering commitment, resilience, and selflessness make him deserving of this recognition.

Please join us in congratulating Ex Chief Eric W. Becker, Ex Chief Arthur W. Sperr, Ex Chief James (pops) J. Aspenleiter Sr, and Captain James K. Aspenleiter Jr.