In 1984 a young man named Jeffrey Rosenthal joined the Levittown Fire Department cadets at the age of 13.
Learning all the skills in his teenage years, Jeff was certainly ready to join the ranks as a Levittown firefighter in 1989.
A third generation of volunteer firefighters from the Rosenthal family, Jeff was now following in the footsteps of his grandfather, the late Joseph Fischer, who was a life member of the Elmont Fire Department, and his dad, the late Robert Fischer who was a life member and Ex Captain in both the Elmont and Levittown Fire Departments.
In 1990, he met the love of his life, Margaret. The two would setting down in Levittown, now married 28 years, with three successful boys: Alex, Jake, and Luke.
In 1992 Jeff began a decorated career in the NYPD having received numerous promotions and many unit citations for meritorious service, eventually being promoted to Sergeant in 2000. In 2012, he would retire from the NYPD after earning his degree in the nursing field, where he was a registered nurse at Winthrop University Hospital for several years, and recently retired from the home care field.
In 2008, Jeff joined the East Meadow Fire Department as a member of Engine Company 4.
His dedication and commitment is not only evident as a seasoned firefighter, but also for his skills as an Emergency Medical Technician (Critical Care).
In 2013, after demonstrating the skills of so many years in the Levittown FD as well as his early years in East Meadow’s Engine 4, Jeff would run for, and was elected 2nd Lieutenant.
His leadership on full display, Jeff was elected the following year to 1st Lieutenant in 2014. In 2015 Jeff reached the highest of company office as he attained the rank of Captain.
During his time in Engine 4 Jeff also held the office of Recording Secretary for two years.
In the years that followed, Jeff would transfer into Engine Co # 3, the “Pride of the Meadow”.
In Engine 3 Jeff held positions as Secretary, Treasurer, and held an active role as the head chauffeur.
In January of 2024, another proud moment for the Rosenthal family surfaced when son Luke joined the ranks of Engine Company #3, making the Rosenthal family a 4th generation of volunteer firefighters.
In April of 2024, Jeffrey Rosenthal was elected to the position of 3rd Asst Chief where his command suddenly grew to 7 companies.
On April 3, 2025, on the eve of EMFD’s 95th anniversary, Chief Jeffrey Rosenthal would be elected 1st Assistant Chief. That Saturday, Jeff would have the honor to receive the Oath of his new office by his son, Firefighter Luke Rosenthal, also of Engine 3.
No doubt a proud moment for both.
At a time when volunteers are less in number, we are fortunate to have firefighters such as Jeff Rosenthal who reach for their goals to lead such a great organization.
