Craft beer, live music and community spirit filled the grounds of East Meadow Fire Department's Engine Company 4 as Fire Fest returned for its fourth year, drawing supporters for an afternoon that celebrated local businesses while raising money for volunteer firefighters, EMS responders and first responder charities.
Hosted by Engine Company 4 and Ladder Company 2 on July 11, the annual fundraiser featured more than 25 breweries and distilleries offering craft beer tastings, along with food trucks, live music by Long Island band KRUSH, axe throwing, a cigar bar and other attractions. The event, open to guests 21 and older, has become one of the East Meadow Fire Department's signature summer fundraisers.
"This is our big event, from our point of view… this is our big fundraiser for the year," said event organizer EJ Brennan, a former captain of Ladder Company No. 2 and a 50-year member of the East Meadow Fire Department.
Brennan co-chairs the event with Anthony Messina and Ray Pellechia.
In addition to supporting the East Meadow Fire Department and its EMS responders, proceeds from Fire Fest benefit several nonprofit organizations, including The Ray Pfeifer Foundation, The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, the Nassau County Firefighters Burn Center, Paws of War, GiGi's Playhouse and The Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation. The event was made possible with support from sponsors Crunch Fitness of East Meadow and Simply Green Dispensary.
Among the participating vendors was Twisted Cow Distillery, whose founder, John Pawluk, said Fire Fest has become an opportunity to support volunteer first responders while strengthening relationships within Long Island's craft beverage community.
"We've had a great time," Pawluk said. "It's a great community and supporting our local first responders — we're always up for that."
He said the event also allows breweries and distilleries to connect with one another and build partnerships.
"It's a way for us to get out and meet some of our brewers and distillers who are in the business, and kind of collaborate with them, make some friends, and it's good for everyone," Pawluk said. "A rising tide raises all boats, so you got to buy local, you got to support local, and that's what we do."
The Jesse Gerhard Memorial Foundation also participated in the event. The organization was established in memory of FDNY firefighter Jesse Gerhard and provides financial assistance to first responders and their families.
"My younger brother Jesse passed away in the line of duty with the FDNY, and we started a foundation in his honor, donating back to families of first responders and first responders themselves," founder Casey Gerhard said. "So far, we've donated upwards of $350,000 back to that cause."
Gerhard said he was impressed by Fire Fest when the foundation first became involved last year and was pleased to once again be part of the event.
"It's a really fun atmosphere," Gerhard said. "I think events like this are crucial. These volunteer firehouses are a bunch of guys who put their lives on the line for the local community without really asking for anything in return, and it's a great way to contribute back to some of the needs that they have."
As the event continues to grow, Fire Fest has become more than a summer celebration, bringing together local businesses, craft beverage makers, community organizations and residents in support of the volunteer firefighters and first responders who serve the East Meadow community year-round.
