A winter storm that struck Long Island on Jan. 26 dumped 8 to 10 inches of snow across the region, with even higher totals reported elsewhere, setting off nearly two weeks of demanding emergency operations for East Meadow Fire Department volunteers working in dangerously cold conditions.
On the night of the storm, Chief Michael Wood ordered an emergency standby, directing firefighters and EMTs to report to their respective stations. Many left their families behind to remain at the stations, ready to respond at a moment’s notice.
With wind chill temperatures dropping to as low as minus 15 degrees, some East Meadow Fire Department companies responded to major fires in neighboring communities while others remained on standby to protect residents within the district.
During this period, Nassau, Suffolk and New York City experienced an unprecedented increase in major fires, some resulting in tragic outcomes. While East Meadow’s emergency calls were generally less severe, that allowed local volunteers to assist neighboring departments facing more serious incidents.
During the frigid stretch, East Meadow units provided mutual aid responses including a Jan. 26 working house fire in Levittown, where EMFD Engine 3, Engine 4 and Ladder 2 responded; a Jan. 27 working house fire in Uniondale, with Engine 2 and Hook & Ladder 1 responding; a Feb. 5 working house fire in North Merrick, where Engine 2 and Hook & Ladder 1 were dispatched; and two separate incidents on Feb. 7 in North Bellmore, including a working apartment house fire and a working house fire, both of which brought responses from Hook & Ladder 1 and Engine 2.
Between Jan. 28 and Feb. 10, East Meadow fire chiefs responded to 79 emergencies, with responses involving all companies or those assigned to particular areas depending on the type of call.
John J. O’Brien Sr. is an ex-chief, training instructor, website chairman, and public relations official with the East Meadow Fire Department.
