Wantagh Fire Department

10/07/2026

Members of the Wantagh Fire Department were trained on recently acquired Paratech Rescue Air Bags which are replacing older equipment. The primary purpose of this lifesaving equipment in fire/rescue operations is to lift, displace, or stabilize heavy loads such as collapsed structural debris, industrial machinery, or overturned vehicles to safely reach and free trapped victims.
Although air bags are not pieces of equipment that are used every day, if a victim is pinned underneath a heavy object, air bags are often the preferred option for freeing them as they require very little space, usually just an inch or two, before inflation. In addition, they can be deployed rapidly, and they provide tremendous lifting capability.
Members practiced various scenarios and learned how to deploy the air bags quickly and efficiently and gained valuable experience for use in real-life emergencies where seconds count.

Photos provided by Chief Stevens and
Ex-Capt. Tom Brandon
Kevin Regan, PIO

10/06/2026

09/24/2026

The National Weather Service has forecast a Nor’ Easter for this weekend, starting with increasing wind gusts this afternoon followed by heavy rain and coastal flooding Friday through Sunday. Although current predictions call for stronger winds and heavier rain for Suffolk County, our area will also see heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and coastal flooding accompanied by an increased risk of Rip Currents. Conditions will be further affected by high tide and the full moon Saturday evening. The National Weather Service has issued a coastal flood advisory for Thursday evening, followed by a coastal flood watch Friday and Saturday.
Watch local news stations or visit the National Weather Service at weather.gov for the latest forecast.
In addition, we encourage you to read the following Storm Safety information from PSEG Long Island.

Kevin Regan, PIO

Prepared for Strong Winds and Rain


Customers are asked to note the important storm safety tips below and to visit psegliny.com/safetyandreliability/stormsafety for additional storm preparation information.


Customer Safety:
• Downed wires should always be considered “live.” Please stay as far away as possible from them, and do not drive over or stand near them. To report a downed wire, call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number at 800-490-0075 or call 911.
• Electric current passes easily through water. If you encounter a pool of standing water, stop, back up and choose another path.
• Never use a generator or any gasoline-powered engine inside your home, basement, or garage or less than 20 feet from any window, door, or vent. Use an extension cord that is more than 20 feet long to keep the generator at a safe distance.


What to do if you lose power:

Call 1-800-490-0075 to report an outage.

Stay connected:
• Download the PSEG Long Island mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more.
• Report an outage and receive status updates by texting OUT to PSEGLI (773454). You can also report your outage through our app, our website at psegliny.com/outages or with your voice using the Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant app on your smartphone.
• To report an outage or downed wire, you can also call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number at 800-490-0075.
• Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) to report an outage and for updates before, during and after the storm.
• Visit PSEG Long Island’s MyPower map for the latest in outage info, restoration times and crew locations across Long Island and the Rockaways at mypowermap.psegliny.com/.

09/24/2026

At approximately 11:35 pm on Monday September 21, 2026, Wantagh FD responded to a report of an overturned auto on the Wantagh Parkway at Merrick Road in Wantagh. Assistant Chiefs Paul Krussmann and Richard Mongiello were in command. One person was transported to an area hospital by an NCPD ambulance as Engine 2 handled a large spill in the roadway. There were no additional injuries reported and all operations were completed in about 20 minutes.
Photos by Ex-Captain Mastrandrea
Kevin Regan, PIO

09/24/2026

Wantagh Firefighters were on hand as a new memorial was dedicated last Sunday at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow to preserve the memory of Nassau County firefighters who died on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as those who later died from illnesses connected to their work at ground zero. The rededicated firefighter plaza now features the names of 56 Nassau County firefighters who died on 9/11 or from 9/11-related illnesses, including the following members of the Wantagh Fire Department: Firefighter Lee Fehling, who perished on 9/11 while serving with the FDNY, Ex-Chief Robert Nicosia and Firefighter Charles Cole who perished due to illness as a result of 9/11 exposure while serving with NYPD and NCPD respectively. Ladder 2 set up a flag arch for the ceremony with East Meadow FD.

Photos provided by Assistant Chief Mongiello
Kevin Regan, PIO

09/21/2026

On Sunday September 20, 2026 Wantagh FD Ladder 1 and North Bellmore FD Ladder 8 set up a flag arch on Wantagh Avenue for participants in the Wantagh Warrior 9/11 Memorial 5K presented by the Gary Sinise Foundation. The Foundation’s goal is to remember, honor, and run in support of those who served, sacrificed, and continue to inspire our community.

Several members of the Department joined with many residents of our community and braved the rainy weather and participated in the event.

Photos provided by Capt. Carpentier
Kevin Regan, PIO

09/20/2026

Engine and Rescue 5 stopped by at the Mandalay School 5th grade car wash Saturday.

09/15/2026

At approximately 10:24 am on Friday September 11, 2026, the Wantagh FD responded to a House Fire at 1814 Ercell Drive in Wantagh. Second Assistant Chief Chris Dolley was first to arrive and upon seeing a heavy smoke condition, he transmitted a “signal 10,” working fire. First Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann arrived moments later and assumed command.
Engine 1, led by Ex-Chief Leonard Mathewson, arrived and secured a water supply at a nearby hydrant and stretched a hose line. They were followed closely by Ladder 1, with Ex-Chief James Bloomfield in charge. Crews quickly located the fire in the kitchen and extinguished the blaze before turning to overhaul to check for any extension. The fire was declared under control in approximately 20 minutes. The occupants were not at home at the time of the fire, and fortunately, the family’s dog did not appear to be harmed, as it was led to safety by the first-arriving units.
Additional resources at the scene included Engines 3 and 7, Ladder 2, Squad 1, and Rescues 3 and District EMS, while Seaford Ladder 3 responded as an additional Truck, and Massapequa FD provided the F.A.S.T. Truck for firefighter emergencies in addition to the Safety Officer and EMS Captain. North Massapequa, Levittown and Massapequa provided an Engine, Truck and EMS on standby at Wantagh HQ for the duration of the alarm.
There were no injuries reported, and the cause of the blaze is under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office, although it does not appear suspicious.
Photo by Kevin Madigan, K2M Photography
Kevin Regan, PIO