East Meadow Fire Department spreads joy this season

With the 2023 holiday season in full swing, the time came for East Meadow volunteers to hit the streets to spread holiday cheer throughout the community.

Over the past few weeks, much has been done including Santa Runs by several companies, including Engine Company No. 2’s annual Santa sleigh run with stops throughout our town.

Earlier in December members joined with Stew Leonard’s to assist in handing out turkeys for any families in need.

On Dec. 16, members of Engine Company No. 2 stepped up once again in a very special way to construct a ramp for a hero neighbor, a 9/11 responder who was in need. Several hours of hard work for fifteen of EMFD’s bravest made this project a true labor of love.

Then on Dec. 19, members of the EMFD led by Ex-Chief James Darcey, made their way to the Nassau University medical Center Pediatric Ward with gifts from the Annual Jimmy Martino Memorial Toy Drive program for the children.

EMFD members dressed in costumes ranging from the Grinch, Buddy the Elf from the movie “Elf,” a snowman and Santa Claus. It was the 27th year of this program.

Other companies throughout the town were found spreading cheer across our community

At any given point, all of East Meadow’s 7 companies were engaged in the true holiday spirit in one way or another through with Santa runs with Engine No. 1, Engine No. 3, and Ladder No. 1, and tree lightings by Engine No.  1, Engine No.  4, Ladder No.  2, and Rescue No.  5. 

Busy as they are, the time to share a smile with the community was as important to our members, as it was for our community.

It’s been a busy, and at times a tragic holiday season for the Long Island fire departments, with approximately 20 major fires, some of which the East Meadow Fire Department was summoned to assist with.

The department expresses its gratitude to the men and women of the East Meadow Fire Department who give so much of themselves, but even more during the holidays.

On behalf of the chief’s office, the board of fire commissioners, and the volunteers of the East Meadow Fire Department, the departments wishes the community a safe and healthy season, and all the best for 2024.

–John J. O’Brien Sr.