The East Meadow Fire Department officially first answered the call of its community 95 years ago. The association of fire fighters has seen the beginning and end of World War II, the terror attacks of 9/11, and endured the Covid-19 pandemic, all while ensuring the safety of Long Island communities.
To celebrate the anniversary, EMFD will host the Sixth Battalion parade followed by a block party, an open community event offering slides, jumping castles, face painting, fire prevention materials, and other child-friendly activities.
Today, the department has members of all ages who share the honor as first responders.
Fire Commissioner Carey Welt has been a member of the firefighting community for over 50 years. He is the vice chairman of the Nassau County Fire Commission and a former captain of EMFD Ladder Company 2.
“When you have the opportunity to save somebody’s life, or you have an opportunity to be part of saving somebody’s home or their business, there is no better feeling that you can get — that is a reward in itself,” he said.
One of Welt’s favorite aspects of firehouse life is the time spent with other members.
“Besides being a work environment, it is also a social environment,” he said. “People call it a second family, and there are gatherings, picnics, formal and informal affairs that the firefighters are involved with, installation dinners and other events to get together socially.”
For 35 years, Welt also served as an instructor at the Fire Service Academy in Old Bethpage. He retired in 2013 and noticed that class sizes have gotten smaller.
“There were actually at one time waiting lists to join the volunteer fire service,” he said. “Now, there are no longer waiting lists. While staffing is not at a critical point, you can always use more people. Many hands make lighter work.”
To encourage new members, firefighters receive special tax credits from the state.
“There are some minor tax benefits that you get on your property if you’re a property owner,” Welt said. “There’s some tuition assistance if you’re going to Nassau Community College.”
Among the people making use of these benefits is Kasey Cheswick, First Lieutenant in Ladder Company 2 and certified Emergency Medical Technician. She has been part of EMFD for eight years, six in her current company, and two in the Juniors division.
Cheswick has a degree in Criminal Justice from Nassau Community College, made possible by the tuition assistance program offered to the volunteer firefighters.
“I love it,” she said. “It’s definitely a great experience for anyone that is interested. You create a lot of connections that help you with careers, which is what a lot of people look for in the fire department.”
Cheswick followed her father’s footsteps in becoming a volunteer firefighter, and her brother Connor is also a member of the same company.
“I definitely think that it’s worth getting involved in,” she said. “You get to help your community, you build another family that you would never have if you didn’t join the fire department. We’re all a big family, and we all look out for each other.”
One of the department’s newest members is Michael Dinolfo, an 18 year old probationary firefighter with EMFD’s Engine Company 2. Four years ago, he joined the EMFD Juniors and recently became a full member.
“I grew up in East Meadow and always looked up to the firefighters who protected this community,” Dinolfo said.
Graduating from the Juniors program was an important milestone for Dinolfo.
“It feels like a full-circle moment, becoming the firefighter, I used to look up to,” he said. “The experience has been incredible so far. Every drill, every call, even just spending time around the firehouse has helped me grow, not just in skill, but in confidence.
“For me, the East Meadow Fire Department isn’t just where I volunteer — it’s a family and a way to give back to the community.”
For more information on becoming a volunteer with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit EastMeadowFD.com, or call 516-542-4565.
