After wait, Ervolino joins chief ranks

The third time was truly the charm for James Ervolino. He was elected as second assistant chief of the Valley Stream Fire Department in April on his third try, which puts him in line to become chief in 2016.

Ervolino, a member of Engine Company No. 3 on the Cochran Place, has been in the Fire Department for 14 years. He is a past captain of the company, one of the requirements to become a chief.

“It’s always been a goal of mine, something I wanted to do,” he said of joining the chief ranks. “I’m highly honored and privileged. It was my time. Good things come to those who wait.”

In 2008, there was a three-way race for second assistant chief, won by John Beck Jr. Two years ago, Ervolino ran unsuccessfully against Charles Brocher for the position. This year, he beat Steve Acquavella of Engine Company No. 2.

Ervolino will share the chief’s office with the two of those former rivals. Beck became the department’s chief this year, and Brocher moved up to first assistant chief. However, Ervolino said that those prior elections are in the past and the three have a solid relationship. They all share a common goal, he explained — to make a good fire department even better. “We’ll work well together,” he said.

Each chief typically serves for two years, so Ervolino will have a four-year wait before taking over the department’s top post. During that time, he said he plans to learn much from Beck and Brocher.

As second assistant chief, Ervolino is third in command at an emergency scene, and first if Beck and Brocher are unavailable. As part of his administrative duties, he must ensure that all necessary repairs are made at the five firehouses. Ervolino must report any problems to the village, which maintains the buildings.

His most important responsibility, he said, is ensuring the safety of his fellow firefighters. He wants to make sure they receive all necessary training.

Ervolino grew up in Valley Stream, attending the Robert W. Carbonaro School and South High School. He joined the Junior Fire Department as a teenager before becoming a firefighter. Nobody in his family had served in the Fire Department, so Ervolino says he is not quite sure what brought him into it. “It’s a calling,” he said. “It’s just something I’ve always been interested in.”

Like Beck, Ervolino is a member of the New York City Fire Department. He belongs to Engine Company No. 257 in Canarsie, Brooklyn. He and his wife, Nicole, are expecting their first child later this year.