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20-year vet Walter Griffin takes the reins
Less than two weeks after being sworn in as East Meadow Fire Department Chief, Walter Griffin Jr.’s office was chock full with boxes. He had just moved into the chief’s office, the small white house on the corner of East Meadow and Park Avenues, and was settling into his new quarters. “It’s going to take a couple of long nights to get the place set up,” he said with a smile. “But it’s well worth it.”
Griffin, 41, a volunteer firefighter of more than 20 years, was elected on April 4, and sworn in on April 6, becoming the 71st chief in the department’s 83-year-history. On May 18, he was officially welcomed during the department’s annual installation dinner at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
An East Meadow resident since childhood, Griffin graduated from Barnum Woods Elementary School, Woodland Middle School and East Meadow High School. Ever since his youth, he said, he always held a deep admiration for those who serve and protect. “To see the fire truck going up and down the block, as a kid, you’re always looking up to firemen and policemen,” he said.
His biggest influence was his brother-in-law, John O’Malley, an Elmont Fire Department volunteer for 10 years. “I saw what he did, and I said, ‘You know what? I want to get involved.’”
Hailing from a family of police officers, Griffin said he also took the exam for the Nassau County Police Department, to keep his options open. But in the end, the fire department was his calling.
The East Meadow Fire Department has a head chief and three assistants, each of whom serve four one-year terms. Griffin succeeded John Priest as head chief.
His fellow chiefs of department include first assistant Robert Salveson Jr., second assistant James Kane, and third assistant John McGee. “I couldn’t do it without my assistants,” said Griffin. “They’re the guys I lean on. And I have three great guys behind me.”
The department is part of the East Meadow Fire District, which comprises five commissioners, five fire stations, four engine companies, two ladder companies, one rescue company, a ladie’s auxiliary unit, a paramedic fly car program and a safety officers program.
