In 2004, at the age of 14, a young John J. O’Brien Jr joined the ranks of our Junior Fire Company.
Learning all the skills in his teenage years, and riding in the Chief’s car to emergencies with his father John Sr, John Jr. emerged ready to join the rank of firefighter as a member of Hook & ladder Company # 1.
A third generation of volunteer firefighter, John was now following in the footsteps of his grandfather, the late Ex Chief Edward J. O’Brien, and his dad, Ex Chief John J. O’Brien Sr of Hook & Ladder Co # 1. John’s brother Jimmy is currently an 11 year veteran of Hook & Ladder Co 1. John Jr’s Uncle, the Late Gerald O’Brien was a member of Engine Company # 1 in the 1960s. His mom Teresa, Grandmother the late Marie, and Aunt Janet combined account for more than 110 years of service and 14 terms as President of the Ladies Auxiliary, while his sister Jennifer remains the biggest buff in the family.
All the while, John continued to demonstrate outstanding leadership in the East Meadow Fire Department climbing through the ranks of Hook & Ladder 1 to 2nd Lieutenant in 2013, 1st Lieutenant in 2014, and on to Captain in 2015.
In 2018, John would again be elected to the position of 2nd Lieutenant, followed by 1st Lieutenant in 2019, and on to Captain in 2020, followed by the third term as Captain in 2021.
In 2016, he met the love of his life, Brittany Thomas. The two would eventually exchange vows and begin their lives on Chester Drive. They are now proud parents of beautiful baby girl Mackenzie Paige.
John’s professional career began as a fire dispatcher, though he would soon rnove to the law enforcement communications field as a 911 operator for the Prince George Police Department in Maryland. He would eventually return to New York accepting a position at the MTA emergency communications for the City of New York.
Not long after, John’s true passion surfaced as he was appointed to the position of Nassau County Fire Marshal.
Throughout these years, John’s Fire Marshal career continued to afford him great opportunities where he found his home as a Nassau County Hazardous Materials Technician while also becoming an Emergency Medical Technician.
Then on April 3rd, 2025, the eve of EMFD firs ever meeting 95 years before, John O’Brien Jr was elected to the position of 3rd Asst Chief where his command grew to 7 companies.
Two days later, Ex Chief John O’Brien Sr would have the honor to swear his son into office.
A first in E.M.F.D. history, having 3 generations of one family enter the Chief’s Office, we look forward to John’s rise through the highest of department ranks.
