Lynbrook Fire Department swears in new chief, assistants

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Fifty years after his grandfather became an outgoing chief with the Lynbrook Fire Department, Carl Lengel was sworn into the position on April 18.

“He left the office in 1967,” Lengel said of his grandfather. “It’s kind of a landmark for me. I thought it was pretty cool the timing of it all, so I’m very, very excited about the coming year.”

Lengel started the process of becoming chief when he became a third assistant chief three years ago. He then moved up to second and first assistant before running unopposed for the honor this year. He garnered 167 out of 171 votes and is taking over for outgoing chief John Chavatte.

A member of the Vulcan Engine Co. 2, Lengel was sworn in as the new chief by Lynbrook Mayor Bill Hendrick at James McDermott Headquarters for the Lynbrook Fire Department, which was recently renamed in honor of the late former chief.

About 60 people attended the Fire Department’s council meeting to witness the swearing in. William Abrams was also sworn in as the first assistant chief, while Nicholas Pearsall became second assistant and Michael Brooks was named third assistant.

In addition to Mayor Hendrick, Village Clerk John Giordano, Trustee Ann Marie Reardon and Assemblyman Brian Curran were among the distinguished guests in attendance. Hendrick said they held a toast to the outgoing chief before swearing in Lengel, whose family has five generations of firefighting.

“It’s kind of like following along in the family business,” Lengel said. “I joined because of my grandfather.”

Lengel became a volunteer firefighter when he turned 18 and has been a part of the department for 35 years. He started as a junior firefighter in the 1970s.

“Anytime you have firefighting in your blood, you’re a good firefighter,” Hendrick said of Lengel. “I’ve known Carl for many, many years. He’s a good man.”

Lengel is in charge of supervising the operations of the fire department and oversees about 200 people. He also served as a sergeant for the Lynbrook Police Department.

“Keeping my people safe — that’s my No. 1 goal,” he said. “To keep my people safe.”