Vincent Staffa has spent nearly his entire life connected to the Oceanside Fire Department — first as a kid attending his father’s Sunday meetings and now as a commissioner seeking another five-year term in the upcoming election on Dec. 9.
“I think there’s still work to be done,” Staffa said.
Running unopposed in the election, Staffa says his motivation has not dulled in 35 years of service.
“The community is big for me,” Staffa said. “It always keeps me going.”
The Oceanside native has served on the Board of Fire Commissioners for the past decade. As a commissioner, Staffa is responsible for the acquisition of all property needed for the Oceanside Fire Department and ensuring residents tax dollars are used to provide the firefighters of Oceanside with the most advanced equipment needed.
This responsibility, he says, has grown more complex as costs rise and the state-imposed tax caps limit local funding.
“We try to keep our fleet up to date,” Staffa said. “It’s getting harder and harder to do, keeping the fleet in good condition, but still trying to do what’s right for the taxpayers and firefighters.”
This year, the district ordered a new fire truck costing more than $1.3 million — nearly double the cost of a similar rig a decade ago. Staffa said those financial realities make grants and outside support increasingly vital.
“Something we try to do, and we were very successful this year, was getting help from not only local officials, but federal officials as well,” Staffa said.
He credited Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Legislator Patrick Mullaney for helping secure funding for a new ambulance. The district also received a $750,000 federal grant for new self-contained breathing apparatuses — equipment that would have cost more than $1 million to replace.
Staffa said one of the accomplishments he is most proud of is the revival of the department’s Junior Program. Once a thriving initiative, it faded out about 15 years ago. Two years ago, the district brought it back, drawing 30 teens between the ages of 14 and 18.
“We have them doing almost everything we do,” Staffa said. “We have them train at our training facility.”
Several program graduates have since joined the department, helping to sustain the volunteer force.
“Volunteers are tough to get,” he said.
To reach younger residents where they communicate the most, Staffa said he plans to broaden the district’s online presence.
“We’re starting to upgrade our social media,” Staffa said. “It’s not just Facebook anymore; there’s Instagram, Snapchat and TikTok. We plan to get these younger people in and listening. We want to keep up to date with online happenings because if you’re not on it, you don’t know what’s going on.”
The district has also expanded its community services. Ten members recently completed training to install child safety seats.
“We’re always available,” he added. “We’re willing to get involved with the community as much as possible.”
Looking ahead, Staffa’s top priority is completing a district-wide radio system upgrade. The department needs about 80 radios but currently has only 25 to 30. Securing funding, he said, is essential for firefighter safety.
Staffa said the work is stepped in tradition — the same tradition he grew up with. His father served with the department for 25 years, and as a child, Staffa would tag along to meetings and help out around the station. That early sense of belonging continues to shape how he sees the department’s role.
“Being firemen is not only helping us but helping our neighbors,” Staffa said. “It works out for both the department and the community. Providing comfort to people in a vulnerable time is something that we are able to do for our neighbors.”
While challenges remain, Staffa said he is driven by the team around him.
“None of this would be possible without the professionalism and dedication of the firefighters, paid EMS personnel and district employees,” he said.
The community, he added, is always at the heart of what they do.
“Everyone has to have a great support system, you can never have enough,” Staffa said. “So, if you have one at home, we’re like an extra layer. If you don’t have one at home, we are the first ones to be there for you. It’s a great feeling to keep that tradition going.”
