Remembering Michael Finkelman, fire commissioner and ex-chief

The Board of Fire Commissioners, together with the Chief’s Office, and officers and members of the East Meadow Fire Department, sadly announce the passing of Fire Commissioner/Ex Chief Michael L. Finkelman, a 47-year member of Ladder Company #2.

Commissioner Finkelman passed away on Nov. 15. He was 65.

Over the past few years, Michael had suffered through illness making incredible recoveries each time.

So strong a man was he, that in spite of his condition, he would return to our district and department in full stride to continue doing what he did best.

The following tells a story of this outstanding man, and his accomplishments for the residents of the East Meadow Fire District, and our grateful Fire Department.

On Nov. 14, 1972, a young Michael Finkelman joined the ranks of Ladder Company #2, following in the footsteps of his dad, the late Ex Chief Nelson H. Finkelman.

Michael had learned so much at such an early age of exposure to the fire service, it would be of no surprise to witness the outstanding career of public service that lied ahead.

As his early firefighting years passed, Michael would demonstrate strong leadership abilities and exceptional firefighting skills leading him to be elected 2nd Lieutenant, 1st Lieutenant, and on to Captain of Ladder Company # 2 through the early 80s.

Then in 1988, Michael would be elected to the position of Third Assistant Chief.

In the years that followed, Michael continued his rise in command with his elections to Second Assistant Chief in 1989, 1st Asst in 1990, and on to Chief of the Department in 1991.

It was during these years Michael also made his mark with an accomplished career as a dedicated Nassau County Police Officer. A position he held for 30 years.

In these years, Michael was also one of Nassau County’s Fire Service Academy Instructors, teaching thousands of firefighters everything they needed to know about firefighting. A position he held for 33 years.

In 1993, Michael would again be elected to the position of 3rd Asst Chief. The following years saw Michael rising through the ranks once more to 2nd Asst Chief in 1994, 1st Asst Chief in 1995, and on to Chief of the Department once more in 1996.

With a world of knowledge and outstanding service to his community, Michael was elected to the position of Fire Commissioner in 2005. He would continue to serve in consecution terms until his passing.

Back in the day, it was his dad Nelson H. Finkelman who achieved so much in the fire service, and did so much for our community. An aura few in the County of Nassau Fire Service could ever equal with Nelson continually supporting our Fire Service and the needs of our community to the day of his passing.

One generation later, it was Michael Finkelman who carried that same aura of accomplishment that few could equal.

Commissioner Michael Finkelman is survived by his adoring wife Christi Lou, his eight children, six grandchildren, and a huge family of East Meadow firefighters left with fond memories, who will miss him dearly, but will never forget the work he did to protection our community and the County of Nassau.