Santa Claus, several of his elves and even the Grinch recently joined members of the East Meadow Fire Department in delivering toys and holiday cheer to children in the Pediatric Ward at Nassau University Medical Center.
The visit was part of the East Meadow Fire Department’s annual Jimmy Martino Memorial Toy Drive, which provides gifts to children who are hospitalized and unable to spend the holidays at home with their families.
In addition to responding to emergencies as firefighters and emergency medical service volunteers, members of the department regularly give back through civic efforts across the community. Those efforts include charitable initiatives such as the department’s annual turkey drive, which helps support local families in need during the holiday season.
The toy drive was established in memory of longtime East Meadow Fire Department volunteer and Fire Commissioner James “Jimmy” Martino, who died in 2006 at the age of 56. A lifelong East Meadow resident, Martino was known for his generosity, compassion and dedication to both the community and the fire department.
Martino began his firefighting career at 18, following in the footsteps of his father, Peter Martino, a former fire chief. He rose to the rank of captain of Engine Company No. 3 before being elected fire commissioner, a position he held from 1980 until 2005.
The East Meadow Fire Department, which serves East Meadow as well as portions of Levittown and Westbury’s Salisbury section, is actively seeking new volunteers to serve as firefighters or emergency medical personnel. No prior experience is required, and all necessary training is provided.
Volunteer benefits include tax incentives, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance and participation in a service award pension program, all at no cost. More information about volunteering is available at EastMeadowFD.com or by calling (516) 542-4565.
