By Hector Flores
The East Meadow Fire Department is responsible for protecting all area homes, properties and citizens from a long list of dangers, including fires and medical emergencies. To fulfill its duties, the department relies heavily on tax dollars to purchase and maintain state-of-the-art firefighting equipment and build up-to-date station houses.
The department's board of five commissioners decides how funds will be spent and what equipment will be purchased and maintained. Commissioners ensure the safety and security of the department's firefighters and emergency medical technicians. They provide all department volunteers with compensation insurance, and also develop the department's rules and regulations, which are implemented by the fire chief. The position of commissioner is open to the general public, and firefighting experience is not a prerequisite.
William Neill
Neill, 49, has lived in East Meadow since age 9. He attended East Meadow High School, and in 1975, at 18, joined the East Meadow Fire Department.
"I wanted to do something for the community," he said. "I was active as a teenager, and I wanted to be a part of something, and I joined."
After graduating from high school, Neill began working for a construction business in New York. He continued to serve as a volunteer for the department, and slowly rose up the ranks.
In 1979 Neill was named the department's staff officer. In 1982 he was promoted to second lieutenant at Station House 3, and in 1983 he became first lieutenant. In 1984 Neill was named captain of Engine Company 3, and from 1985 to 1989 he served as assistant fire chief. From 1989 to 1990 he was department chief. Neill was first elected fire commissioner, in 1995 and has served in that capacity for the last 10 years.
Neill said that as commissioner, he has helped the department increase its response time and bring in new equipment. He has done this by having all emergency calls in East Meadow directly linked to Nassau County.
In addition, all East Meadow ambulances have been fitted with state-of-the-art heart-monitoring equipment. "All our department vehicles have been fitted with AED defibrillators to ensure that they are prepared in case of a cardiac arrest emergency," Neill said.
He added that each fire station is equipped with high-powered generators. This enables them to remain operational and serve as refuge during a blackout. In addition, stations are equipped with Hurricane Readiness Trailers that contain portable gas-powered generators, which are used to power home life-support systems. The trailers are also supplied with water pumps, which are useful for basement floods.
Mike Finnegan
Finnegan, 42, is a lifelong East Meadow resident who is a product of the East Meadow School District, and has worked for DHL shipping for the last 24 years.
He joined the East Meadow Fire Department at age 26, and has been a member for the last 15 years. In 1987, he was named 2nd lieutenant and in '99, Finnegan was named captain of Ladder Co. 1. And in 2001, he worked in the chief's office. Last year, however, Finnegan was asked to leave the department because of a personal dispute, but has since returned to the department and is a member in good standing.
"I joined the department because I wanted to help people and my neighbors," he said.
During his tenure as a firefighter and certified first responder, Finnegan has helped make the East Meadow Fire Department the county's first department to carry life-saving medicines. And he helped get 12 lead defibrillators that transmit data directly from an ambulance to a hospital. He holds certificates in building construction, hazardous material handling and officer training.
Finnegan believes that much can be done with less, and he intends to curb the district's spending. "I'm addressing the issue of tax dollars," he said. "If elected, I will not hamper the fire department's day-to-day operation, but only get rid of wasteful spending."
Finnegan added that he wants more community participation in the East Meadow Fire District. "We need more community involvement," he said. "I want residents to attend monthly board meetings, and I want them to be aware of what's going on."
Comments about this story? HFlores@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 283.
