One running unopposed for fire commissioner

Vote set for Dec. 10

Posted

Longtime East Meadow Fire Department volunteer Carey Welt is running unopposed for reelection to the East Meadow Board of Fire Commissioners on Dec. 10.

Welt, 63, has lived in East Meadow for 60 years, and has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 40 years. He has served as fire commissioner since 1981, and is also a past captain, lieutenant and chief assistant fire inspector for the department.

In 1977, Welt joined the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office, serving as assistant chief fire marshal and division supervisor until his retirement in July. He’s also worked for Nassau County’s Fire Service Academy since 1978.

He has been decorated with numerous awards and honors throughout his career in fire service, including the Nassau County Gold Medal of Honor, Nassau County Fire Commission Gold Medal of Valor, Town of Hempstead Medal of Valor, East Meadow Fire Department Fire Fighter of the Year, and 14 meritorious awards for outstanding service in the East Meadow Fire Department.

Welt earned his Associate in Applied Science degree from Farmingdale State College in 1971. He received his Bachelor of Science, and his Master of Science in Fire Management from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1990.

He was also a member of the United States Army Reserve from 1971 to 1977, reaching the rank of lieutenant.

Welt and his wife, Deborah, have four children: Sarah, David, Rachel and Adam (Stefanie).

The vote will take place from 1 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday. Any resident who is registered to vote with the Nassau County Board of Elections is eligible to vote in the East Meadow Fire District election. Residents north of Hempstead Turnpike can vote at Fire Station #3 on Newbridge Road and Salisbury Park Drive. Residents south of Hempstead Turnpike can vote at Fire Headquarters, at 197 East Meadow Avenue, adjacent to the East Meadow Public Library.

“Based on my experience, vocation and education,” Welt said, “I am able to balance the needs of the Fire District with the burdens of the taxpayers.”