Wantagh Fire Department

05/25/2026

Although today’s parade was canceled due to the weather we all should take a moment to pause and honor the fallen members of our Armed Forces.

05/23/2026

May we always remember those that paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

05/18/2026

The Wantagh Fire Department responded to an auto accident on Merrick Road and Willoughby Avenue in Seaford on May 13, 2026 at approximately 7:30 am. Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann was in command as a total of 4 patients were evaluated for various injuries that were not considered life-threatening. EMS personnel from Rescue 3, 2 Nassau County Police Ambulances and Northwell Health transported the victims to an area hospital while members from Engine 1 handled a spill in the roadway. Assistant Chief Chris Dolley was also on scene along with the EMS Captain and Safety Officer.
Photos provided by Chief Krussmann
Kevin Regan, PIO

05/17/2026

The week of May 17-23 is National EMS week and the Wantagh FD would like to thank and salute all EMS professionals, especially all of our members who serve the residents of the Wantagh Fire District as EMT’s, EMT-CC’s and Paramedics. The theme for this year is “Improving Outcomes, Together.”
The training that is required for our EMS providers is very demanding and requires a great deal of commitment and dedication. In addition to handling approximately 1500 alarms annually, EMS members serve on the Training Committee, Incident Management Team, Hazardous Materials Team, Dive Team, Marine Unit and staff a specially designed EMS all-terrain vehicle which is utilized at special events such as the Jones Beach Air Show, 4th of July fireworks display, and the annual Wantagh St. Patrick’s Day Parade among others.
At the 2025 annual Wantagh FD Awards Ceremony, Fire medic Chelsea Koelling was awarded the EMS Provider of the Year Award for the second year in a row. Chelsea, who was a member of Wantagh FD Exploring Post 690 prior to joining the Department, has been a very active and reliable member of the Department since 2023.
If you are interested in becoming either a Firefighter or Medic and would like to learn how you can help your community, please visit our website at www.wantaghfd.com and click on the ‘join us tab.’ All training is provided at no cost to you and we are always looking to welcome new members.
Kevin Regan, PIO

05/15/2026

Today is National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day. As proclaimed in 1962 by President John F. Kennedy, May 15th was set aside as National Peace Officer’s Memorial Day and the week in which May 15th falls as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress, National Police Week is a time to pay respect to law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
We join our friends in Law Enforcement in honoring and remembering the 363 Officers who lost their lives in 2025 while protecting and serving others. May their sacrifice never be forgotten.
Kevin Regan, PIO

05/13/2026

At approximately 7:30 pm on Friday May 8, 2026 the Wantagh Fire Department responded to assist the Nassau County Police Emergency Ambulance Bureau for a water emergency. A boat was traveling between Zach’s Bay and the 3rd bridge when it struck a sand bar, causing the operator to be thrown from the pilot’s seat and strike his head. The vessel was then stuck on the sand bar.
Chief of Department William Stevens responded to Wantagh Park and assumed command as Marine 31 got underway with 2 Medics from the NCPD Ambulance Bureau. Third Assistant Chief Rich Mongiello responded to the vicinity of the 3rd bridge to relay information between Marine 31 and land-based units.
Squad 1, Rescue 3 and the EMS Captain and Safety Officer all responded to Wantagh Park to assist in removing the patient from Marine 31 and place them into an awaiting NCPD Ambulance for transport to an area hospital. All units were back in service by 8:15 pm.
Kevin Regan, PIO

05/10/2026

05/07/2026

There have been several fires in New York City recently that have resulted in fatalities or extensive property damage due to doors either being open while the occupants were sleeping or left open while they made their way out. In the event of a fire in a dwelling, a closed door can actually be one of the best pieces of “fire equipment” in many ways.

Closed doors can:
• Reduce fire growth by limiting fresh air to feed the fire.
• Limit damage to a structure.
• Save lives by ‘holding the fire’ outside a room.

Remember:
• “Close before you Doze” - always sleep with the bedroom door closed.
-More than half of all home fires occur between 11pm and 7am while most people are sleeping.
• If possible, and without causing unnecessary delay, close the door when you are escaping a room or building that is on fire.
• NEVER prop open or disable fire doors in buildings that have them.

Researchers have found, when a fire occurs outside a room with the doors closed, that:
• Temperatures inside the room are often 100’s of degrees cooler than when the door is open.
• Air much safer to breathe when the doors are closed as this will limit dangerous Carbon Monoxide and other toxic gases from entering the room.

Closed doors may buy you extra time to survive a fire!

40 years ago, we had an average of 17 minutes to escape a fire. Now, due to more synthetic materials used in home construction and furnishing, we now have about 3 minutes to escape. Fires today burn hotter, spread faster, and give off more toxic fumes. If escape is not possible a closed door may improve your chances of survival in the event of a fire by allowing more time for rescue in cases where self-evacuation is not possible.

Kevin Regan, PIO

05/05/2026

On Sunday May 3, 2026 the members of the Department were treated to “Breakfast for Our Brave,” hosted by the Ladies Auxiliary to the Wantagh Fire Department.
The timing of their appreciation was even more meaningful with Monday May 4th being International Firefighter’s Day, a day set aside each year for communities to thank firefighters for their dedication and sacrifice, acknowledging their role in protecting life and property throughout the year.
Chief of Department William Stevens thanked the members of the Ladies Auxiliary not only for providing the members with a delicious breakfast but also the opportunity to relax and enjoy each other’s company. Chief Stevens added, “the Ladies Auxiliary plays an essential role in the strength of our Department, and we are grateful for everything they do behind the scenes and at events like this.”
Kevin Regan, PIO

04/29/2026

As part of our ongoing training and commitment to public safety, the Wantagh FD recently held training in Mass Casualty Incidents (MCI’s). On Thursday April 23, 2026 we hosted Don Hudson, Nassau County EMS Coordinator, who led a discussion on MCI response and a review of the Wantagh FD and Nassau County MCI Plan. On Sunday April 26th the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) gave a presentation about the capabilities of their Major Emergency Response Vehicle (MERV). Members were then given an opportunity to tour the MERV vehicle and see what equipment was on board.
These training opportunities are part of our preparation for upcoming large-scale events celebrating America 250 such as the annual Four-Leaf Air Show and 4th of July fireworks at Jones Beach. On Sunday May 31st we will be participating in a multi-agency full scale exercise at Jones Beach State Park with a simulated MCI in order to test the capabilities of the various Police, Fire and EMS agencies involved.
The annual Four-Leaf Air Show, normally held over the Memorial Day weekend, will be held on Sunday and Monday July 5th and 6th this year with the practice round on Friday July 3rd and fireworks will be on Saturday July 4th.

Kevin Regan, PIO