New chiefs installed in Lynbrook, East Rockaway fire departments

It was a changing of the guard for the East Rockaway and Lynbrook fire departments as new chiefs were sworn in and members were installed for each village on April 17.

Frank Passanisi III was anointed the East Rockaway department’s new chief when ex-Chief Thomas Harding swore him in at the Grant Avenue Fire House.

In his 27-year career, Passanisi had previously been a three-time captain of Hose Company No. 1. He said that as chief, his goals are “to hopefully keep everyone safe” and “to help the community residents.” Passanisi also said that he felt it is important to serve his community.

Replacing Passanisi as the captain of Protector Hook Ladder and Hose Company No. 1 is James Monaco. Andrew Ochtera is the company’s first lieutenant and Laurence Ulip is second lieutenant.

Also sworn in were First Assistant Chief Jack Felbinger, Second Assistant Chief Ronald Roeill and Third Assistant Chief David Bilardello. Mayor Bruno Romano also anointed members of the Junior Fire Department and the Fire Council.

In Lynbrook, about 75 people came to James McDermott Fire Department Headquarters as Mayor Alan Beach swore in William Abrams as the new chief, Nick Pearsall as first assistant chief, Michael Brooks as second assistant and John Donald as third assistant.

Village Clerk John Giordano swore in the wardens, who will serve as the governing body for the department, and Abrams anointed new members. The evening concluded with Beach leading a toast to the chiefs with a glass of champagne.

In his role of chief, Abrams will act as a liaison between his department and village officials, attend weekly meetings and take care of the day-to-day operations for the department. Pearsall is responsible for vehicle maintenance and helping Abrams as needed, Brooks’ duties focus on training personnel and Donald will be in charge of the equipment and tools.

Abrams is taking over for Carl Lengel, who at the conclusion of his run as chief said that he was happy to serve in that role for Lynbrook, much like his grandfather did 50 years before him.

Abrams declined an interview request from the Herald, but Lengel said he has been training him to become chief, and noted that he is “working very, very hard” and is “off to a great start.”

Lengel described Abrams as being computer-savvy and said that he believes he will help the department become more modernized.

“He’s a leader,” Lengel said of Abrams. “He’s very charismatic and very good with the technical stuff.”