E.M. Fire Department seeks new members

The East Meadow Volunteer Fire Department is aggressively looking for new members to become firefighters and/or medical technicians.

As an East Meadow volunteer, making the difference in someone's tragedy gives you a feeling not easily duplicated. Whether it's a carbon monoxide emergency averted by a quick response, or a unconscious diabetic quickly stabilized, or last weeks apartment building fire held to one apartment saving the most precious valuables of several residents, its a great feeling to be a part of the team that made the difference.

There is no better feeling than being there in someone's time of need.

In recent years we have witnessed a surge of applicants among middle-aged men and women. Such individuals bring a lot to the table in maturity, confidence, and respect. They are excelling well and enjoy their fire service work. On the other hand, younger individuals who join learn so much about respect, command, leadership, hydraulics, pneumatics, basics of electricity, safety, or medical treatment, all of which make them better heads of their household when the time comes to start their family. 

Openings are available in all fire and ems companies. There is no experience necessary. We train you to be the best. Research of our membership has found a large majority of our members have gone on to lead successful careers as a result of joining our volunteer fire department. The East Meadow Fire Department consists of men and women from all walks who have developed careers as FDNY firefighters, paramedics, police officers, corrections officers, fire dispatchers, fire district supervisors, fire marshals and training instructors.

We see our department as a network of people who always have a desire to help one another, as well as our community. It can be said that the East Meadow Fire Department has likely bred the most individuals of any volunteer organization, who have attained rewarding career positions through what they learned in the volunteer fire service.

One of the greatest assets to the EMFD family are our families themselves. In each of our companies you can see responders who come from the same household, such as the Mongello's, a family of five including Ex Chief Michael Sr., Firefighter Michael Jr., Firefighter Christopher, Ex Capt. and EMT Susanne and Fire Medic Samantha. A tribute to the family representation that, in some families, has flourished for generations here in East Meadow.  

As a member, you would be responsible for making a percentage of the calls your particular company responds to, attending trainings, company and department meetings, working on committees, maintaining the equipment we depend on each day, just to name a few. 

To become a member of the EMFD family the procedure is simple. You can call our recruitment hot line at 542-4565, complete our on-line form at EastMeadowFD.Com, or e-mail us at JOBrien@EastMeadowFD.Com.

Prospective members must meet the following criteria: Pass a fire service related medical evaluation yearly, be a US Citizen, reside within the East Meadow Fire District for a period of 6 months or more, and have never been convicted of a felony.

Other benefits to becoming a member are a small tax reduction after five years of satisfactory service available to all East Meadow firefighters who own homes, as well as a "Length of Service Award Program" which builds a pension-like fund for all members maturing at the age of 55.

The inset photo is of your East Meadow Volunteer Fire Department as they marched proudly through the streets of East Meadow. A day that all members enjoy with our family, and community.

John J. O'Brien is an active Ex Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department. He is the District Supervisor of the Jericho Fire District and has over 30 years of Dispatch and Supervisory experience.