Recognizing a century of service, Island Park Fire Department celebrates 100 years

When Ed Madden joined the Island Park Fire Department as a high school student in 1976, he recalled, there was an explosion of sewage storage tanks across Pearsalls Hassock that killed a teenager.

More than a million gallons of sludge flowed onto dozens of beaches in this heavily populated area, shutting down 63 beaches, including those in Long Beach, Atlantic Beach, Hewlett, Lido, and Point Lookout.

Madden, 65, who eventually went on to serve as fire department chief, said the tragedy is one of the most memorable events in the history of the department, which is commemorating its 100th-year anniversary in 2024.

Madden recently shared some of the history and changes as the fire department prepares to celebrate the century mark.

Madden also recalled the department responding to high-speed car accidents on Austin Boulevard, which at the time served as a wake-up call for teenagers or those in their early 20s.

“We were a pretty tight group of younger guys at the time,” Madden said. “We were all EMTs and we learned from the more senior members, often who were around for a while, and we all got along well.”

Like many fire department members, Madden is a long-time resident of Island Park, having lived there since 1961. Over the years, he served in different roles in the department, first as a firefighter, and then lieutenant, captain, third assistant chief, and ultimately chief from 2010 to 2011.

Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, who served as third assistant chief under Madden in 2010, shed light on the profound impact the Island Park Fire Department has had on his life, spanning from an 18-year-old recruit to chief. D’Esposito served as the 75th chief of the department from 2013 to 2015 and offered a unique perspective on the integral role the firehouse plays in the tight-knit Island Park community.

“Taking the oath as chief of the Island Park Fire Department was a day that I’ll never forget,” he said. “It’s a day that I’m proud of because you truly earned that rank and you earn the respect of not only your colleagues in Island Park, but throughout Long Island and Nassau County.”

The department’s legacy was built by leaders like the late Doc McGann, who served in the department for more than 70 years as a firefighter, chief and commissioner. Phylis Berotti was the first woman to join the Island Park Fire Department in 1978, and she’s still a member today.

Like many volunteer fire departments, Island Park has faced constant challenges of recruitment and retention. The department has implemented such programs as the Length of Service Award Program, which helps recruit, retain, and reward volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel. The program provides financial benefits to volunteers based on years of service after they’ve reached retirement age. In addition, the department has created a juniors program to encourage younger members to volunteer.

Nearly 70 percent of the fire departments across the country and nearly all on Long Island are volunteer-based, strengthening the sense of community within departments like Island Park. Eric Gorton, 33, is the first assistant chief of the department and was born and raised in Island Park joining the department in January 2009 when he turned 18. His grandfather, uncle, and father were all members of the department and he spoke to the sense of community the department shares with the community.

“One other memorable, During Covid, kids weren’t able to have birthday parties, so the mom’s community Facebook posted kids’ birthdays, and we would do a drive-by past the house,” said Gordon.

D’Esposito emphasized the department’s important role during Hurricane Sandy and highlighted the rich traditions embedded in a century of service.

“Coming from such a small community, the firehouse plays an essential role,” he said. “Following Hurricane Sandy when the firehouse served as a multi-purpose institution for government, public safety, a shelter, and a place for people to find food. It was some of our worst times, but a perfect example of how important the fire department is to our community.”

D’Esposito commended the Village of Island Park for consistently supporting the fire department.

“The Island Park Fire Department is the backbone of the community, said Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty. “An incredible group of individuals who are deserving of the accolades they’ve earned.”

Madden emphasized the sense of duty and community service that motivates members.

“Everybody that’s in the fire service takes care of each other,” Madden said. “During Sandy, we had people from upstate and out of state come in to man some of our firehouses due to loss of equipment, to let the members go home and try to clean out their house to get them back on their feet. We’re protecting our neighbors and our family, so there’s a little bit more enthusiasm for us to get the trucks out.”

Madden highlighted the support of local elected officials such as former Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, for securing funding for the department. Weisenberg was made an honorary chief of the Second Battalion Fire District, which consists of Island Park, Baldwin, Freeport, Long Beach, Oceanside, and Point Lookout-Lido Beach.

“The Island Park Fire Department and the second battalion is an example of how wonderful volunteer firefighters and fire services are so important to the health and safety of all our population,” said Weisenberg. “At 90 years old, I can say I’m almost as old as the Island Park Fire Department and the love and care that each firefighter shows, we’re blessed to have them, especially in Island Park.”

The Island Park Fire Department will hold its centennial celebration at the Second Battalion parade on Aug. 11, inviting neighboring departments to join the festivities.

The upcoming 100-year celebration promises to be a momentous occasion for reflection and recognition of the department’s significant contributions to the community.

“Especially, for smaller departments like us, a lot of these moments coming up, we’re looking forward to it,” Madden said. “It’s sad that through the course of years, people have passed on, but there’s a legacy through the people that they touched.”