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
JEFFREY A. ROSENTHAL JOHN J. O’BRIEN Jr EDWARD LICCIARDO
1st Asst Chief 2nd Asst Chief 3rd Asst Chief
Philip Fertitta Keith J. Hoffman James J. Kane James P. Walsh
Rec Secretary Corr Secretary Treasurer 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
