A change in command for the Lynbrook Fire Department

Christopher Kelly joined the Lynbrook Junior Fire Department when he was 14 and then the Lynbrook Fire Department at 18. On April 19, he took the helm as its chief.

Kelly is a 17-year member of Engine Company 1 on Carpenter Avenue. He served two terms as captain of Engine Company before seeking higher office. He also served on the department’s Training Committee, teaching members different methods and techniques of firefighting. Additionally, he was a member of the Tumblers Old Fashion Drill Racing Team.

For the past three years, Kelly has been an assistant chief, and this month was elected by his fellow firefighters to lead the department of 220 men and women volunteers for 2022-23.

Kelly is the Lynbrook Fire Department’s 102nd chief. 

The outgoing chief, John Donald, of Truck Company, completed his term. Donald will now have his photo placed on the wall in fire headquarters with the photos of all past chiefs.

Deputy Mayor Mike Hawxhurst swore Kelly into his new position along with First Assistant Chief Danny Ambrosio, of Vulcan Company, Second Assistant Chief Scott Bien, of Truck Company, and rookie Third Assistant Chief Clayton Murphy, also from Vulcan Company.

After the swearing in, a bottle of champagne was opened and Hawxhurst and the chiefs toasted to having a safe upcoming year. Kelly congratulated outgoing chief Donald on a successful and productive term as chief and thanked him for his guidance and friendship. He also congratulated the newly elected assistant chiefs with whom he will be serving.

Kelly then swore in the company officers of the five fire companies, the Emergency Medical Company and the Floodlight Unit. Village Administrator John Giordano then swore in the wardens, who represent the companies on the Fire Department Council. 

The department Ladies Auxiliary then presented Kelly with a new gavel for use during department council meetings.

Kelly is a 17-year veteran of the NYPD. He is a detective assigned to the Arson and Explosive Squad. 

The new chief also comes from a firefighting family. His father, Kevin, is a former captain and 50-year active member of the Rockville Centre Fire Department; his brother, Tom, is a former captain in Lynbrook and now a member of the Massapequa Fire Department; and his brother, Mike, is a former member of the Lynbrook department.

Kelly has been married to his wife, Allison, for 13 years and they have three children, Taylor, 12, Ryan, 9, and Skylar, 5.  Besides investigating crime in New York City and fighting fires in Lynbrook, Kelly volunteers in other community organizations, including coaching his sons in Lynbrook Titans football and lacrosse.

“It is an honor and privilege first to serve the residents of Lynbrook as chief of the Lynbrook Volunteer Fire Department,” Kelly said, “but more importantly, to lead the brave men and women of this department who are always proud and ready to serve our residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”