Longtime Wantagh Fire Commish seeks reelection

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Commitment comes in many forms, and a longstanding commitment to community is exactly what William K. Field IV, 65, has exuded over the past 47 years.

Field, of Wantagh, joined the Wantagh Fire Department at 18 years old, eventually rising to the ranks of chief, a title he held for seven years. At age 40, Field became Fire Commissioner for the first time. This year, he is running for re-election to his sixth consecutive term.

A lifelong resident of Wantagh, Field is a graduate of MacArthur High School and C.W. Post College. He is also a retired Nassau County Police Sergeant. He patrolled and protected Nassau County towns, including Wantagh, for 29 years.

One of Field’s responsibilities as Fire Commissioner is to balance the department’s budget. This year, the budget stands at $7.4 million dollars. That total represents a 14 percent increase since Field’s last run for Commissioner in 2014.

The district’s boundaries encompass Wantagh, as well as parts of Levittown, Seaford and East Meadow. In Field’s most recent term, he noted that the Board of Fire Commissioners had purchased a new aerial ladder and made renovations to Station 5 on Merrick Road to “better meet today’s needs.” Additionally, two new ambulances were purchased for by the Board of Fire Commissioners, with the vehicles featuring automated CPR equipment and patient stretchers to perform more tasks with fewer personnel.

In his time as Fire Commissioner, Field said that his primary goal has been to provide the firefighters, EMS personnel and the residents they serve with the most sophisticated equipment at the most affordable price for the taxpayers.

The polls are open on Tuesday, Dec. 10.