Carl Pugliese installed as new East Meadow fire chief

Carl Pugliese, a 23-year-member of the East Meadow Fire Department, officially took the helm as chief of the volunteer organization at an afternoon ceremony on April 10.

For Pugliese, whose father, Paul, died earlier this year, being sworn in as chief was extra special. His dad, a longtime Naval officer, always told his sons that he envisioned them leading the fire department.

“He told me ‘Before I leave this Earth, I want to see one of you guys become chief,” Pugliese said. “He did, even though I was assistant chief and he didn’t see me sworn in [as chief], he saw me go all the way.” Pugliese worked his way up the ladder, starting as 3rd assistant and getting elected chief this year. He replaces Thomas Tergesen, who served a one-year term in 2010-11.

“I feel very confident in my own abilities and also in the preparation I had going up the line as assistant chief and working with the three chiefs, Eric Becker, Keith Hoffman and Tommy Tergesen,” Pugliese said. “Those three guys prepared me very well for where I am right now.”

Pugliese, 48, was raised in East Meadow and is a graduate of W.T. Clarke High School’s Class of 1980. The new chief served for Engine Company No. 3 at Station No. 3 on Carnation Road and Newbridge Road. Pugliese said he was convinced to join the department in 1985 when his brother Daniel, an ex-captain and active member of Engine Company No. 3, woke him up and took him into the fire station to meet the officers.

The new chief lives on Nancy Drive in East Meadow with his wife of 24 years, Liz. They have two adult children, Carol-Anne, 23, and Thomas, 22. Pugliese works in the Information Security Department for Astoria Federal Savings in Lake Success. He has been in the field of information technology for the past 20 years.

After a busy year of fighting fires and dangerous storms, Pugliese said he aims to maintain EMFD’s tradition of quality and service. EMFD has more than 300 volunteers in both the fire and emergency medical areas.

“Our main goal is keeping our department to high excellence and well trained,” he said, “and each and every time we go to a call, we bring everyone home with us.”

EMFD officers

Chief: Carl Pugliese

1st Assistant Chief: Nicholas Corrado

2nd Assistant Chief: Walter Griffin

3rd Assistant Chief: Bob Salvesen