45.0°,
Fair 85 years of protecting East Meadow
April 3, 1930, was the formation date of Company 1
April 3 marked the 85th anniversary of the formation of the East Meadow Fire Department, when members of Company 1 — today’s Hook & Ladder Co. 1 — first assembled. Its first chief was Edward Alsheimer, who served from 1930 to 1931.
On the East Meadow Fire Department website, at eastmeadowfd.com, longtime volunteer John O’Brien Sr., extensively detailed the history of the department, including the expansion of its many companies, the long succession of chiefs, and the influx of new equipment and fire trucks. “It’s a proud year for all East Meadow volunteers, who work tirelessly every day, and every night, to protect our neighbors from fire and medical emergencies,” O’Brien wrote. “Our high standards of being an EMFD member have withstood the test of time.”
Engines, 1, 2, 3, and 4, Ladder 2, and Rescue 5 would follow Company 1 in forming the EMFD as it is known today.
With the help of historian and former department chief Anthony Butera, O’Brien recalled many milestones and highlights of the last eight-plus decades, including the construction of a new firehouse, in 1948, on Newbridge Road, off Front Street, which was then designated as fire headquarters. The original Company 1 relocated to this new firehouse upon completion in 1949.
In 1965, the department took ownership of a Mack Floodlight truck boasting an 85-kilowatt generator and electrical reels to power buildings and equipment. “Its true character,” wrote O’Brien, “came in the form of its massive appearance with its tractor-like chassis, massive display of lights, and incredibly high cab requiring three steps of climbing. This truck would remain an integral part of our fleet for nearly 30 years … it became the true workhorse of the department, lighting up huge areas, and powering equipment at every major fire.”
O’Brien also recalled a memorable fire on July 17, 1977, in a vacant two-story Marine barracks on Merrick Avenue, just south of Hempstead Turnpike. “Upon the arrival of Ladder 617,” he wrote, “the radiant heat was so intense, damage to the truck required its repositioning. Weary firefighters battled this blaze all day in 90-plus degree heat.”
On Sept. 11, 2001, and the months following, O’Brien said all seven EMFD companies were called in to assist in the massive FDNY effort following the attacks, which claimed the lives of 343 FDNY members and 23 NYPD officers, and nearly 3,000 civilians. “It would be a painful time for us all,” O’Brien wrote, “but particularly those of us who lost a loved one, or was involved in our emergency services or military.”
In November 2002, the members of Hook & Ladder Co. 1, as well as Engine Co. 1, relocated to a new state of the art firehouse at 340 East Meadow Avenue.
“Today, Hook & Ladder Co. 1 is a proud group of men enjoying a resurgence of many new members,” O’Brien continued, “who are eager to learn and thriving to be their best in the finest tradition of our company and volunteer fire service. Congratulations to the members of Hook & Ladder Co 1. You have been there for our community every day, and every night, for 85 years.”
