Wantagh Fire Department

10/11/2025

As a nor’easter heads up the East Coast the National Weather Service predicts that it will affect Long Island Sunday into Monday with high winds, heavy rain and beach erosion as well as coastal flooding. A high wind watch is in effect for Long Island from 12:00 noon on Sunday through 6 am on Monday with sustained winds of 25-35 mph and gusts up to 60 mph possible. These strong winds may also cause tree limbs to break, and may result in wires down. Residents should stay away from all wires and assume all wires to be “live.” If you have wires down near or around your home, you should notify the utility company.

Rain is expected to start Saturday night and total predicted rainfall throughout the time frame is 1.5” to 3” and while flooding should not be a problem due to the recent dry weather, some localized flooding is possible due to poor drainage and clogged storm drains from leaves and yard debris.

Residents are strongly encouraged to take precautions in advance of the storm by doing the following:

• Secure all objects (i.e.: Halloween decorations, lawn furniture, umbrellas, BBQ’s) around the outside of the home that could get caught and overturned or go airborne in high winds.
• Maintain a supply of non-perishable food items, prescription medications, basic medical supplies and gasoline for cars, generators, etc. in the event of prolonged power outages.
• Charge all cellphones and rechargeable devices, including a radio to monitor forecasts in advance.
• Read and follow all safety guidelines when using a generator for emergency power. NEVER use a generator or BBQ in an enclosed space such as a shed or garage and make sure there is adequate airflow around these devices for dangerous carbon monoxide and exhaust fumes to dissipate and not enter your home.
• Stay away from downed wires and report them at once. Consider all wires that are down to be “live.” In the event of a power outage, you can text OUT to PSEGLI (773454), or report it online at www.psegliny.com or by calling 1-800-490-0075. You can also download the PSEGLI App to report outages and receive important updates.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers handy.
• Monitor local tv/radio stations for updated weather forecasts or go to the National Weather Service website at www.weather.gov

For additional Storm Readiness Tips visit the Federal Emergency Management Agency FEMA) website at www.ready.gov

Kevin Regan, PIO

10/08/2025

October is Fire Prevention Month and this week is National Fire Prevention Month. Observed both in the United States and Canada, the goal of Fire Prevention Week is to save lives by spreading fire safety information and encourage the public to implement safety measures in their homes and communities.

Fire Prevention Week commemorates the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and was first sponsored by the Fire Marshals Association of North America (FMANA), the oldest membership section of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Each year, the NFPA has an annual theme and a public awareness campaign on a different fire safety topic, and produces valuable information which can be distributed to the public. The theme this year is “CHARGE into FIRE SAFETY” and deals with Lithium-Ion batteries in your home and how to safely use, charge and store them.

Lithium batteries power the majority of many modern devices that we all us around our homes, from smartphones, tablets and computers to tools and toys to electric vehicles. While concerns about their safety have garnered a great deal of attention, the reality is that these batteries are not inherently dangerous when used, charged, stored and disposed of properly. We encourage you to read the attached bulletin and share with your friends and family and ask them to do the same.

Members of the Department will be visiting schools throughout the Wantagh Fire District all month long, educating students about Fire Safety and demonstrating how to safely exit their homes by using our “smoke-house trailer.” While Fire Safety, Prevention and Awareness should be a frequent discussion among your family, this month is a good time to review Fire Safety practices around your home and make sure all occupants know at least two ways out of every room in the event of a fire.

Kevin Regan, PIO

10/06/2025

10/03/2025

NY State has issued statewide burn ban through October 15th due to increased fire risk as a result of prolonged dry conditions.

Uncontained fires for the purposes of brush and debris disposal is prohibited, as well as other uncontained fires, including campfires and outdoor open fires used for cooking.

Outdoor fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in width or diameter are permitted as are small, contained outdoor cooking fire/bbq’s.

Extreme caution should still be used if having an authorized fire and all fires should be watched closely at all times completely extinguished when no one will be present.

Kevin Regan, PIO

09/30/2025

On Sunday September 28, 2025 members of the Wantagh Fire Department participated in the 2025 Tunnel to Towers 5K Run and Walk in NYC. What began in 2002 with about 1500 participants has now become one of the top 5K’s in America. The event not only symbolizes Firefighter Stephen Siller’s final footsteps from the foot of the Battery Tunnel to the Twin Towers on 9/11/01 but it also pays tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters, law enforcement officers, and thousands of civilians who lost their lives. Proceeds support the Foundation’s many programs, including those which benefit first responders, and members of our Nation’s Armed Forces who have sustained catastrophic injuries .
Photos by Samantha Grossman
Kevin Regan, PIO

09/29/2025

On Sunday September 14, 2025 members participated in the National Brain Tumor Society at Jones Beach State Park walk to help raise funds in memory of Ex-Captain Ron Chowske, Jr. who died on April 17, 2025 after valiantly battling a brain tumor. . Ron’s “Rays of Sunshine” Team is happy to report that they raised the 2nd highest amount of money.
The Mission of the National Brain Tumor Society is to raise funds for research for a cure as well as provide resources and support families. If you would like to donate in memory of Ex-Captain Chowske you can go to:
https://secure.braintumor.org/site/TR;jsessionid=00000000.app20022a?px=4103027&fr_id=4045&pg=personal&NONCE_TOKEN=2BD83999BF564C1158F88363A134247E

Photos by Capt. Christina MacKay Dolley
Kevin Regan, PIO

09/25/2025

September is Su***de Prevention Awareness Month. It was first declared in 2008 as a way to acknowledge those affected by su***de and raise awareness, promote hope, and help connect people at risk with treatment and services that are available.

Su***de affects millions of people every year, yet too many struggle in silence. Whether you’re facing challenges, supporting a friend or loved one, or are looking to help, your voice matters. It is important to know how to recognize the warning signs for su***de, encourage open conversations about mental health, and know where to go for treatment and resources. Below are some resources that you can use to educate yourself and share with your friends and family.

Who is at risk for su***de?
People of all ages, sexes, occupations and ethnicities can be at risk for su***de.

If you are thinking about su***de, take steps to keep yourself safe:
•Make a promise to yourself not to do anything right now, because suicidal thoughts come and go.
•Avoid alcohol and drugs.
•Make your home safe by removing anything that could be used to hurt yourself.
•Reach out to someone you trust for help.
•Stay hopeful. You are not alone.

Know the Warning Signs:
•Talking about killing oneself, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden to others, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
•Increased use of alcohol or drugs
•Withdrawing from activities
•Isolating from family and friends
•Looking for ways to end their lives
•Saying goodbye
•Giving away prized possessions
•Aggression, fatigue, sleeping too much or too little
•Displaying moods of depression, anxiety, loss of interest, irritability, humiliation, shame, agitation, or anger

How to Talk About Su***de:
Pay attention to new or uncharacteristic behavior. Has your loved one experienced a painful event, loss or change? Take any talk of su***de seriously. Someone who is suicidal may say things like:

•“I don’t know how much longer I can take this”
•“They will be sorry once I’m gone”
•“I wish I could go to sleep and never wake up”

Take action. If someone you know is exhibiting any of these warning signs:
•Ask them openly and directly if they are thinking about su***de
•Ask them to tell you about what has been going on and LISTEN to them
•Avoid discussing the value of life, minimizing problems, or giving advice
•Let them know it is important to get help, and stay with them while exploring options
•If someone tells you that they are going to kill themselves, do not leave them alone. Do not promise that you will keep their suicidal thoughts a secret—tell a trusted friend, family member, or other trusted adult.

Call 911 if there is an immediate life-threatening situation.
You also can contact:
•988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline
•988lifeline.org
•Call or text 988; Llame al 988 (para ayuda en español)
The Lifeline provides 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available in English via chat at 988l If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, there is help. The resources below will connect you to trained professionals who can provide support.

Resources: NYS Office of Mental Health Su***de Prevention Center & Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). For additional information go to:
https://www.preventsu***deny.org/su***de-prevention-awareness/
https://www.samhsa.gov

Kevin Regan, PIO

09/24/2025

Wantagh FD members gathered for their annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the 9/11 Memorial located at the Chief’s Office/Training Facility on Jerusalem Avenue on Sunday, September 14, 2025.

Current and former members of the Wantagh Fire Department who died in the line of duty on September 11, 2001, are: Firefighter Lee Fehling, Wantagh FD Ladder 1 and FDNY Engine 235; FDNY Ladder 3 Lt. Kevin Donnelly, past member of WFD Rescue 2 and Engine 4, and past member of WFD Engine 3, Timothy Haskell of FDNY Squad 18. Sadly, 2 members of the Department have died since that day as a result of exposure while performing rescue/recovery work at Ground Zero and are officially recognized as “line-of-duty deaths:” Ex-Chief Robert Nicosia of WFD Squad 1 and the NYPD Technical Assistance Response Unit, who died on October 10, 2008 and Charles Cole, Jr. of WFD Engine 2 and NCPD Emergency Services Unit, who died on August 14, 2011.

We remember and honor not only these members, but all who died that day or as a result of illness due to exposure to toxins during the rescue or recovery efforts and we pray for those that continue to suffer.

Photos by Margaret Bloomfield
Kevin Regan, PIO

09/23/2025

At the halfway to St Patrick’s Day gathering on Thursday, September 18, 2025, the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce announced that the Wantagh Fire Department, led by the Chiefs, will be the Grand Marshal for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As part of her announcement of the Chamber’s selection, President Cathy Powell stated: There is an Irish saying: 'It is in the shelter of each other that the people live.” These men and women are that shelter for us and our community; and “this honor is not just a tribute to their bravery, but a celebration of their humility and a chance to say ‘thank-you’ for all you do.” The men and women of the Wantagh Fire Department are grateful to have been selected for this honor and appreciate the support of our wonderful community.

Photos provided by Paul Krussmann and Lisa Lang-Gross
Kevin Regan, PIO

09/23/2025

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Engine 1 and Rescue 1 supported the 5th-grade classes at Wantagh Elementary and Forest Lake Schools by attending their car washes.

Photos by Capt. Christina MacKay Dolley
Kevin Regan, PIO