The East Meadow Fire Department marked a transition in leadership during its annual swearing-in ceremony on April 12, honoring outgoing Chief Michael J. Wood and welcoming Chief Kurt W. Becker to the department’s highest rank.
Held as a longstanding tradition, the ceremony brought together officers, members and commissioners to recognize both past service and the department’s future direction. Commissioner John J. Priest, chairman of the board, led the event alongside Vice Chairman Keith J. Hoffman and Commissioners William J. Neil, Carey A. Welt and Phillip Fertitta.
In his opening remarks, Priest reflected on the department’s history as it approaches its 96th year of service, emphasizing the importance of tradition within the organization.
Outgoing Chief Wood addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for the work of department members and reflecting on his four years in leadership. He also spoke about the importance of family support during his tenure, noting the role his wife, Carin, played throughout his time as chief.
The ceremony then shifted to the installation of new leadership. Edward Licciardo was sworn in as third assistant chief, followed by John J. O’Brien Jr. as second assistant chief and Jeffrey A. Rosenthal as first assistant chief.
Becker was then sworn in as chief by his father, Eric W. Becker, a three-time former chief of the department. Taking the podium, Becker reflected on his years of service and looked ahead to the future, while also honoring members of his family, including his late grandfather, George Becker, a former captain of Engine Company No. 2, as well as his mother, Concetta, and his wife, Mary.
Following the swearing-in of department leadership, Becker administered the oath of office to lieutenants, captains and staff officers from the department’s seven companies and two squads. The oath was also extended to administrative staff, the Ladies Auxiliary and the Junior Fire Company.
The ceremony marked the beginning of a new leadership term, with officials emphasizing continued service to the East Meadow community and a commitment to the department’s future.
The East Meadow Fire Department’s 2026-2027 officers includes Recording Secretary Philip Fertitta; Corresponding Secretary Keith J. Hoffman; Treasurer James J. Kane; and Sergeant at Arms James P. Walsh.
Engine Company No. 1 officers are Captain John A. Priest, First Lieutenant Benedict J. Doyle and Second Lieutenant James J. Kane.
Engine Company No. 2 officers are Captain Jordan J. Surlin, First Lieutenant Steve Narine and Second Lieutenant Marc A. Aracena.
Engine Company No. 3 officers are Captain Patrick Macaulay, First Lieutenant Michael Cody and Second Lieutenant Nicholas Montoni.
Engine Company No. 4 officers are Captain Francisco Martinez, First Lieutenant Brianna M. Messina and Second Lieutenant Thomas E. Tergesen.
Hook and Ladder Company No. 1 officers are Captain Richard S. Malik, First Lieutenant Christopher J. Whitenack and Second Lieutenant Mark Williams.
Ladder Company No. 2 officers are Captain Kasey E. Cheswick, First Lieutenant William Giuliani and Second Lieutenant Connor P. Cheswick.
Rescue Company No. 5 officers are Captain Susanne Mongello, First Lieutenant Samantha Mongello and Second Lieutenant Victoria Capasso.
Also serving are Safety Officer Squad Captain James P. Walsh and Lieutenant Martin Sisca, and EMS Squad Captain Paul J. Kosiba and Lieutenant Francis A. Pollicino.
