EMFD Hook & Ladder #1 reaches 90-year milestone

For 90 years, our community has been protected by one of the strongest volunteer fire service traditions know to our society. It's a proud year for all East Meadow volunteers, who work tirelessly every day, and every night, to protect our neighbors from fire and medical emergencies. In a day and age where husbands work two jobs, and wives to work as well, our high standards of being an EMFD member have withstood the test of time being one of the best volunteer fire departments on the Island.

It all started on April 3, 1930, where a group of men gathered and held the first meeting of Company # 1. Today this company continues its commitment to our community day and night as Hook & Ladder Company #1.

In the decades that followed, six additional fire and rescue companies in Engines, 1, 2, 3, and 4, Ladder 2, and Rescue 5, would be formed as the town of East Meadow grew. This following is a documented history of Hook & Ladder Co # 1 from its beginning in 1930, to how we know it today.

Congratulations to the members of Hook & Ladder Co # 1, and all members of our department. You have been there for our community every day, and every night, for 90 years.

The history of Hook & Ladder Company #1

Hook & Ladder Company # 1, originally first known as Company # 1, is documented as the first company formed by the East Meadow Fire Department when it was established on April 3, 1930.

Unfortunately, some of the records of the original Company # 1 were inadvertently discarded or lost, however, we have old Department records that have enabled us to develop the following data.

The first chief of the East Meadow Fire Department would be Edward Alsheimer who would serve from 1930 to 1931.

On March 5, 1931, the men of Company # 1 were assigned a new 1931 GMC pumper and at some point, the Company was renamed Engine & Hose Co # 1.

Chief Alsheimer would be succeeded as Chief by Company # 1 members in the electing of Chief Edward Hoeffner for his term in 1932-1933, Chief John Prismont in 1932, and Chief John Guando in 1935.

On January 10, 1936, the GMC pumper was moved into the Company # 2 firehouse located at the intersection of Newbridge Avenue (Known today as East Meadow Avenue) and Park Avenue, as both companies would now function from this location.

In 1936 Chief Edward Moskowski would be in command, and remain as our leader for terms in 1937, 1938, 1939, 1940, and 1941.

In 1945, Company # 1 member Louis Darienzo would take over as Chief until 1946. In the years to come, several more Company # 1 members would assume command of our department in Chief Maurice Anderson in 1947, and Chief Donald Morrison in 1948.

In 1948, a new firehouse was erected on Newbridge off Front Street, and was designated as Fire Headquarters. Company # 1 relocated to this new firehouse upon the completion of the building in 1949.

Also in 1949, Company # 1 member, now Chief, John Kornova would be made an Honorary Chief.

In 1950, when the new Quad Ladder Truck was assigned to our company, it became Ladder Company # 1, and in 1956, the company was renamed to Hook & Ladder Company # 1.

In 1951-1952, Chief John Smith would become the 13th chief of the East Meadow Fire Department.

Within this timeframe, Fire Headquarters was expanded from 3 bays to 5 bays as our members accepted the delivery of a new 1958 American LaFrance midship ladder truck boasting a 75-foot aerial ladder. The most memorable thoughts of this truck were in the ride to the alarm as members would ride the side, and hold on, all while gearing up along the way.

In 1963 Captain Durwood Mosher of our company would become our 23rd Chief, and 1965 Captain Peter Rafferty would proudly accept the honor as our 25th Chief of our Department.

In 1965, the members of Hook & Ladder Company #1 took proud ownership of a 1965 Mack Floodlight truck boasting an 85kw generator and electrical reels to power buildings and equipment, where needed. Its true character came in the form of its massive appearance with its tractor like chassis, massive display of lights, and incredibly high cab requiring three steps of climbing. This truck would remain an integral part of our fleet for nearly 30 years, and although a second due response unit for our company, it became the true workhorse of the department lighting up huge areas, and powering equipment at every major fire.

In 1974, our Company would again produce another chief in the name of Edward Collins.

As the years passed, the fire calls increased, as did the amount of serious fires. In these years, while the two ladder companies responded to major fires within their own side of town, the men of Hook & Ladder Company # 1 would respond to all north side calls as well, for the additional equipment and lighting of Floodlight 616 as well as manpower support.

The mid 1970s became known in our history as a time with many new members who quickly became seasoned firefighters with the amount of action in town. The most memorable fire occurred on July 17, 1977, in which all stations battled a fully involved vacant 2 story marine barracks on Merrick Avenue just South of Hempstead Turnpike under the direction of Chief Williamson E. Henderson (E-2). Upon the arrival of Ladder 617, the radiant heat was so intense damage to the truck required its repositioning. Weary firefighters battled this blaze all day in 90 plus degree heat.

In 1976, the members of H & L Co # 1 bid farewell to their 1956 American LaFrance ladder truck and accepted the newest piece of equipment in our 1976 Oshkosh /Pierce ladder truck. This truck was nearly a one of a kind with its bright lime yellow color, low profile body, and 100-foot rear mounted LTI aerial ladder. This ladder truck would provide outstanding service to our community with few major breakdowns for 26 years before being retired in 2002.

1986 would bare the ripen fruits of the heavy fire days and solids training for a young Hook & Ladder Company #1, as Captain Kenneth J. Ditata and Captain Keith Hoffman would be elected as Assistant Chiefs, and become Chiefs of our Department in 1986 for Kenny, and 1988 for Keith.

The turn of the century came and passed for our members with the hype of Y2K, slipping by with little effect to most.

In all, at one point or another, all seven companies of the East Meadow Fire Department would be called upon to respond and assist in the massive FDNY effort. In the somber months that would pass 343 FDNY members, 23 NYPD, and countless innocent civilians would be laid to rest. It would be a painful time for us all, but particularly those of us who lost a loved one, or was involved in our emergency services or military.

In November 2002, the members of Hook & Ladder Company # 1, as well as Engine Company # 1, would be relocated to their new state of the art firehouse located at 340 East Meadow Avenue.

A short time thereafter, our members would bid farewell to our 1976 Oshkosh /Pierce ladder truck, and accept delivery of our new 2002 Pierce midship ladder truck boasting a 95 foot aerial ladder with bucket, as well as an eight man enclosed cab.

In April 2004, Ex Captain John J. O'Brien would be elected 3rd Asst Chief. John would move up the ranks to Chief of Department in 2007.

In April 2006 Ex Chief Keith J. Hoffman would make a run for the position of 3rd Assistant Chief, and in April of 2009 become the first Ladder 1 Chief, and only the 3rd Chief in our Department's rich history to ever return to the Chief's Office after completing a prior 4-year term of office.

In April 2013, Ex Captain John M. McGee was elected as our department's new 3rd Asst Chief. He would successfully move up the line of office to Chief of Department in 2016.

Today, Hook & Ladder Company #1 is a proud group of men thriving to be their best in the finest tradition of our company and volunteer fire service.

Although enriched in the history of our department, the members of Hook & Ladder Company # 1, are but a part of our great organization thanks to the outstanding men and women of Engine Co #1, Engine Co # 2, Engine Company # 3, Engine Company # 4, Ladder Company # 2, Rescue Company # 5, Rescue 4, EMS Squad 6199, Safety Officers Squad 6155, our Chiefs, and the Department's elite training committee.

John J. O'Brien is an active Ex Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department. He is the District Supervisor of the Jericho Fire District and has over 40 years of Dispatch and Supervisory experience.