Massapequa Fire Department

With the possibility of a large amount of snow coming to our area, we kindly remind everyone to clear out fire hydrants in front of your homes. A clear visible hydrant can save valuable time in an emergency! Please take responsibility for the hydrants in front of and near your homes and insure that they are cleared of snow and visible to responding firefighters during and after a snowstorm.

On June 29 , 1955 ; the Massapequa Fire Department fought a massive structure fire on Merrick and Hicksville Road at the Massapequa Flea Market

Smoke Detectors Save Lives The Massapequa Fire Department reminds you to check your smoke detectors. We have had 3 working fires in the last two weeks with residents trapped in their homes. Please be sure to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly. Seconds count! ... For more information on fire safety visit our website at www.massfd.org. To report an emergency dial (516) 798-0040 or call 911

The members of the Massapequa FD hope everyone has a healthy and safe Thanksgiving.

Today, Veterans Day, the officers and members of the Massapequa Fire Dept. would like to express our thanks to all of our country’s veterans and the men and women who bravely protect our freedoms today.

On Friday, December 27th 2019, Ladder Company Six was activated at 1848 hours for an MVA at Merrick Rd and Algonquin Ave. Ladder 636 was staffed by the followi...ng members: Chauffer: Ex-Captain Thomas Kennelly III, Lt. Conor McCaffrey (now Captain) as the officer, and FFs Jesse Maneri, Tyler Mott, Nick Santora and Greg Gerner (now Lieutenant). Upon transmission of their 21 (responding to scene) the dispatcher advised us that NCPD were on scene reporting possible multiple motorcyclists down and requesting a forthwith response. Ladder 636 Arrived on scene at 1852 hours when Lieutenant McCaffrey was approached by FF Robert Koemm Jr who stopped at the scene on his way to the firehouse. FF Koemm successfully triaged 3 patients and stated that there was 2 red tag and 1 green tag patients. Lt. McCaffrey then relayed this information to the crew and the dispatcher. The crew immediately split into 3 teams and started patient care on the victims. FF Maneri and FF Mott attended to the first red tag patient along with the operator of the 14A on scene. This red tag was in traumatic arrest with a partially amputated leg with a compound femur fracture. FF Maneri and the 14A quickly packaged and the 14A transported this patient by ground to NUMC. This patient was off the scene within 2 minutes of Company Six’s arrival. The second red tag patient was in care of a civilian off-duty nurse, FF Koemm and FF Santora. This patient was the motorcyclist who was thrown from his motorcycle and also suffered severe trauma. The motorcyclist had head trauma and as a result was combative to the crew. While waiting for the arrival of an additional ambulance, the members successfully treated & stabilized the patient and his injuries for transport; The crew worked seamlessly with limited equipment to give the patient the best chance of survival. Upon arrival of 637, staffed by FF Daniel Valdina and Ex-Captain Andrew Festa, this crew worked to package the patient and transported to a nearby landing zone with the assistance of FF Mott and FF Maneri. A report was given to the 14H medic and the patient was transported to NUMC by air. The members who operated on these two critical patients acted instinctively and used their extensive training. Their quick actions and professional medical treatment played a key role in giving these patients the best possible chance of survival. These members acted in the finest traditions of the Massapequa Fire Department displaying outstanding teamwork and cooperation in the face of an extremely chaotic scene. Today these members were awarded a Unit Citation from Nassau County Fire Commission. On behalf of the Chiefs Office, Officers and Members of the Massapequa Fire Department, Congratulations on a job well done! (Photo credit: Shannon Paige)

On Monday March 22 Nassau County will have a memorial for all those that were lost due to COVID-19 during the past year. The Massapequa Fire Department will sound their audible alarms on each firehouse at 7:00pm March 22nd. Many fire department members have lost friends, family, or fellow essential workers to this virus and we ask everyone to take a moment and remember their lives and families.

It was just like today, except over 40 years ago. Snow coming down in the middle of the day, roads just really crappy, most folks went to work, not a lot of guy...s around. We were the New York State firefighters. You probably never heard of them, but this was in the middle of rough economic times in the 70's and we were all on unemployment, so we called ourselves the State firefighters. Massapequa got a good deal, always a bunch of young guys around 24/7 and paid by the state to sit in the firehouse. We were looking for work, sorta. Every fire department has to have a location that is the farthest away in your district. Some address has to be as long a ride as possible from the firehouse. It just sucks if your house is on that street. And it catches fire. In the middle of a snowstorm. And it is the high dollar neighborhood, which is all the more reason it doesn't have a firehouse. Which, of course, it did, in February, in New Harbour Green, on Riviera Drive, on the crappiest day of the year. Richie Hurst, was the MFD Deputy Chief at the time, and he was in the East End when the gong went off, and rather than take his department car, he decided to take the officer seat on the Mack engine. There were 4 of us in the station, and we left immediately for the long ride in the snow. We were just thrilled to have Richie as our officer, probably the most seasoned and best FDNY guy you will ever know. A painting crew was working in one of our high end big deal homes, and the paint fumes somehow got set off and away she went. And went... We were about halfway down Cedar Shore Drive when someone transmitted the Signal 10 (working fire) and Richie leaned through the cab window to tell us we had a job. We were moving at half speed down the snowy streets, and couldn't see a thing. It wasn't until we pulled on the block that there was this smoky haze in the distance. We got closer to the house and then it was obvious there was smoke blowing, not pushing, but thick black dark smoke pushing out of every opening of this really nice, large mini-mansion. We got the line off the back of the engine, and the crew from Rescue 3 came up with us. The kitchen was in front of the house, a long galley kitchen. Someone took out the front windows and the smoke turned to belching fire right as we got water. I remember Kevin Herbst right there with me as we entered the front door. I think Mike Noto was the officer on the rescue that day. Open the line, quick hit in the foyer, left turn into the kitchen, which was nothing but fire and smoke and heat. In a foot, hit it, fire over our heads, hit some more, in another foot, hit it some more, go another foot, just keep on crawling and hitting. The living room was on our right, and behind the smoke, we could see and hear fire on that side of the house as well. We were about halfway through the kitchen, when we all heard an enormous CRACK and then a flash of light and fire. And then staring us in the face through the lifting smoke, was Steve Dalambakas. Big Steve, a real big guy, had fallen right through the roof, through the attic, and was right smack in front of us, sitting on his tailbone and obviously very dazed. Most of the fire in the kitchen was knocked down, mostly steam left now and there he was, not moving much and certainly not what we expected to see come from above. I think a crew came in from the outside and dragged him out, and we knocked out the rest of the fire. He was taken to the hospital to be checked out, and by the time we got back to quarters a few hours later and all the hose packed and cleaned up, a very sore Steve hobbled into the firehouse. "One second I was on the roof cutting, and the next second I wasn't!" Well, yea. Steve was done with his brief firefighting career. He was a larger than life guy and I'm not sure what he did for a living, but sadly he was killed a few years ago in a tragic accident in Florida. Kevin and I still fight fires, 65 year old guys who have a few jobs left in us. A lot of snow, a lot of fire, and a guy through the roof ending up in front of you. Not a bad day in the 70's. (Photo below NOT from this fire)

On this day 100 years ago. Excerpts from the Massapequa Fire Department Meeting Minutes February 4, 1921 Meeting called to order at 8:30 PM by the Assistant Foreman... Members present at roll call, nine (9) Committee on leaks reports having found everything allright after investigating Committee on Alarm reports progress The following applicants for active membership were presented as follows John P. Thompson, Massapequa Richard Bahr, Massapequa Frederick Bahr, Sr. Massapequa O.N. Rankin, John F. Jones, C.E. Southard Jr. appointed investigating Committee for above candidates Motion by O.N. Rankin that report of the Committee on Instructions for using extinguishers be requested to report at next meeting. Sec. by Thos H. Fraser and carried. Motion to adjourn by O.N. Rankin sec. by Thos. H. Fraser & carried 9:31 PM

On This Date 110 Years Ago. Excerpts from the Massapequa Fire Department Meeting Minutes February 3, 1911 Meeting called to order at 8:30 PM by the Foreman. 13 members were present.... Plans and sketches submitted by Ingles & Hart, the architects, were examined by the members present and after discussing the building proposition quite extensively, it was agreed to lay the matter over for the next meeting. A motion was made by Theodore Naar, seconded by Theodore Kilian that a letter of thanks be sent by the secretary to the L.I.R.R. for the fire alarm gong shipped to the Dpmt. free of charge, which has been received. A motion was made by Chris Diehl and seconded by Theo. Naar, that the secretary see the Queens Land & Title Company to obtain permission to hang the alarm gong opposite the present fire quarters. It was moved by Geo. Pennell Sr. and seconded by Chris Diehl to appoint George Rohr a committee of one to attend to the putting up of alarm with help as he may choose. The meeting was adjourned at 9:15

Ex-Captain Ed Fulford notifies the department dispatch center that the new Hook & Ladder 6 in now in service.

It’s official! Today, Friday January 8, 2021 at 2008 hours the new Massapequa Fire Department Hook & Ladder 6 is placed in service and will wear the radio call... sign of 636. She is dedicated in memory of fallen Firefighter James Kennelly. May he watch over all our members as we work hard to serve the members of the Massapequa community. See more

On this date in MFD History....... Congratulations to the members of the East End, on December 27, 1930 the original firehouse on the corner of East Shore Dr and Merrick Road was opened and dedicated. Initially an engine was located in this house which would eventually become Engine Co. 4. Engine and Hose Co. 5 has its origins in this original firehouse as well. Happy 90th Anniversary East End Firehouse!

With tonight’s storm please remember if you have a hydrant in front of your home or on your block make sure it’s clear!

The Chiefs, Officers and Members of the Massapequa Fire Department regret to announce the Line of Duty Death of Ex-Chief and current Commissioner Joseph Vicario of the North Merrick Fire Department. We extend our sincere, heartfelt condolences to Chief Vicario’s Family and the Chiefs, Officers and Members of the North Merrick Fire Department. RIP Chief Vicario

Ex Chief Karl Thuge reminded us that December 24th is the 70th anniversary of the day Ladder Company 2’s new 1950 Mack L Model 65ft Aerial was delivered to the Massapequa Fire Dept. This truck replaced a 1929 American La France ladder and served the West End and Massapequa FD until 1975. Thanks for the reminder Chief.

Who is this woman behind the mask? Meet Firefighter Chrysta Cataldo of Engine Co. 4. She founded a Facebook group called, Gifting for a Brighter Tomorrow. T...he group of over 1,100 members recently raised funds and purchased gifts for the family of an NYPD officer who passed away from Covid-19 complications acquired in the line of duty. The group, the vast majority of whom have never met each other, rallied around the cause and within 24 hours had not only purchased every gift for the children, but several surprise gifts for the widow. Congratulations to Chrysta and all the administrators and members of your group on a job well done! See more

Monday night 11/16/20 East End companies practiced at the department’s training facility on basic private dwelling firefighting operations.