By Hector Flores
³The fire department was united, and came in full force to support me,² Neill said. ³I also want to thank other groups, such as the Kiwanis and members of the Chamber of Commerce. This was my second big race, and a lot of people came out to vote. I felt confident and I had a lot of support. It was one of the most attended races in recent years.²
Neill added that for the next five years, he plans to continue to improve the working conditions of firefighters and to update lifesaving equipment. ³I will continue to work hard and make East Meadow a safer place to live and work,² he said. ³I will continue to update equipment, when needed, with the most up-to-date equipment possible to keep firefighters safe.²
The East Meadow Fire Department protects area homes properties and citizens from a long list of dangers, including fires and medical emergencies. 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 department¹s 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 department¹s firefighters and emergency medical technicians. They provide all department volunteers with compensation insurance, and also develop the department¹s 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.
