Wantagh Fire Department, 2995 Jerusalem Avenue, Wantagh, NY (2026)

03/23/2026

On Saturday March 21, 2026 the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a report of a house fire at 2873 Ocean Avenue in Seaford. Safety Officer Ex-Chief Joe Gross III was first to arrive and reported a smoke condition in the garage. First Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann arrived moments later and assumed command and was later relieved by Chief of Department William Stevens.
Engine 3 arrived and secured a water supply at a nearby hydrant and stretched a hose line. They were followed by Ladder 1. Crews were able to locate and isolate and contain the fire at the electrical panel in the garage. Fortunately, the fire did not spread and the situation was quickly declared under control. All units were secure approximately 40 minutes later while units awaited the arrival of PSEG LI.
Additional responding units included Engines 1, 4 and 7, Ladder 2, Rescues 1, 2, 3 and 5, and the Fire Police Unit.
Photos by Brad Field
Kevin Regan, PIO

03/20/2026

On Saturday March 7, 2026 the Wantagh Fire Department held their 126th Annual Installation Dinner.
After the Line Officers were sworn in, William L. Stevens was sworn in as Chief of Department. He will be assisted by First Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann, Second Assistant Chief Christopher Dolley and Third Assistant Chief Richard Mongiello.
Chief Stevens joined the Department in September of 1989 and was assigned to Rescue 2 before transferring to Engine 4 a year later. He served as Lieutenant of Engine 4 from 5/1/1997 through 4/30/1999 and Captain from 5/1/1999 through 4/30/2001.
During his remarks to the Department, Chief Stevens thanked the members for their hard work and dedication to the community as they responded to 2700 calls for service last year. This is in addition to the countless hours spent training, standing by at special events and other details as well as other community education events. He also thanked the families of our members for their support. Chief Stevens then thanked his daughters Hannah & Lauren for their support during his time in the Chief’s office.
34 members of the Department were recognized for their service ranging from 5 years to 65 years. Ex-Chief Bruce Sparke was honored for 50 years of dedicated service to the Department. Ex-Chief Sparke remains a very active class “A” firefighter and continues to share his knowledge and experience with the members of the Department by serving on many Committees and by training new and current members.
Ex-Chief Leonard Mathewson was also recognized for his 8 years of service in the Chief’s Office, which he completed this past December.
Photos by Joe Virgilio
Kevin Regan, PIO

03/19/2026

On Sunday March 15th the Wantagh Fire Department proudly marched down Wantagh Avenue in the 6th Annual Wantagh Chamber of Commerce St Patrick’s Day Parade as the Chamber’s Grand Marshal for 2026. The weather was cold but the crowds greeted everyone warmly with great enthusiasm!
Along with appearing in the parade, we had ambulances from the Wantagh FD, Bellmore-Merrick EMS and Wantagh-Levittown Ambulance Corp. on standby along the parade route with additional ambulances from the NCPD available to respond to any emergencies along the parade route and block party area. We also had 1 EMS ATV and 1 Fire ATV staffed in order to safely navigate through the crowd if needed. Our EMS Captain was at the Field Communications Unit to coordinate response between all agencies involved. In addition, members of the Department’s Command Staff and Incident Management Team (IMAT) were available for activation throughout the event if needed.
During the parade, we had an Engine from Baldwin, Ladder Truck from Westbury and an Ambulance from Point Lookout-Lido on stand-by at Station 2 for alarms within the Wantagh Fire District so that our members could participate in the parade and we are thankful for their support.
There was a total of 2 alarms during the event, including 2 medical emergencies, 1 along the parade route and one not related to the parade.
We are grateful to the Chamber of Commerce for honoring the Department as Grand Marshal this year and thankful for the support we receive from our wonderful community!
Photo by Anthony Krussmann and video by Chris Lauterbach
Kevin Regan, PIO

https://youtu.be/hWQqwsa8D50

03/10/2026

On Monday, March 9, 2026, the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a call for a leaking propane tank at 9 Raspberry Lane in Levittown. Second Assistant Chief Dolley was in command as members found a full 20-pound propane tank leaking. Members were setting up to conduct a burn-off operation to render the tank safe, while Haz Mat Technicians, Ex-Captains Tom Brandon and John Licata, stopped the leak. Engines 1, 2, and 7, led by Captains Alexis Avolio, Mike Fratello, and Patrick Maher, were on scene for nearly 1 hour, and no injuries were reported. Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office HazMat Team also responded.

Photos by John Richter & Joe Borst
Kevin Regan, PIO

03/07/2026

Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday March 8, 2026. Don’t forget to move your clocks ahead 1 hour before going to bed. Please also remember to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries, if applicable.

According to the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA), all smoke detectors (battery and hard-wired) should be replaced 10 years after their manufacture date; regardless of brand. Carbon Monoxide Detectors should be replaced every 5-7 years. Combination Detectors (Smoke/Carbon Monoxide) should be replaced every 5-10 years. Sensors in these units can wear out over time and accumulated dust and grime can make them less effective.

Properly maintaining Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors by keeping them clean and dust free and up-to-date will help keep you and your family safe!

Kevin Regan, PIO

03/06/2026

On Thursday, March 5, 2026, the Chiefs and many members from the Wantagh Fire Department attended the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce Grand Marshal Reception at the Heritage Club in Bethpage. Chamber President Karen Lofgren and the Board of Officers presented Chief of Department William Stevens, First Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann, Second Assistant Chief Chris Dolley, and Third Assistant Chief Rich Mongiello with Grand Marshal sashes in recognition of the entire Department’s selection as Grand Marshal for the 2026 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
The Wantagh Fire Department is humbled and honored by this selection, and we look forward to stepping off with everyone on Sunday, March 15th!
Kevin Regan, PIO

02/24/2026

Recently we have noticed that some well-intentioned residents have placed garbage cans over the hydrant to keep them from getting covered with snow.
This could be dangerous as responding firefighters may not be able to locate the hydrant if it is covered by a garbage can in an emergency.
If you haven’t already done so, please make sure any fire hydrants near your home are clear of snow at least 3’ in every direction and out to the street.

02/22/2026

So we can provide efficient response in the event of an emergency, and for the safety of our members, we will be on stand-by in the firehouses beginning this afternoon and through the night.

In order to prevent unnecessary calls for service please use extra caution when cooking or using candles so that you don’t accidentally set off smoke alarms. If you do, please call your alarm company and inform them that your alarm was set off in error and that you would like to cancel the Fire Department, PROVIDED THAT THERE WAS NO FIRE. Also, make sure heating, fireplace and dryer vents are free of accumulating snow at all times to prevent deadly Carbon Monoxide from backing up into your home.

Check on your neighbors, especially the elderly, and don’t leave pets outside longer than necessary.

You should be in good physical condition before you start to remove snow from your property. If not, consider hiring someone. Always stretch before starting, take frequent breaks and stay hydrated. If you experience shortness of breath or chest pains, STOP. If your condition does not improve, call for help.

Be sure to clear all snow from around any hydrants near your home at least 3’ in every direction, including the street. In the event of a fire, Firefighters will be busy hooking up the Fire Engine to a hydrant and stretching hose lines to attack the fire and every second counts, especially if someone is trapped inside. Don’t wait for someone else to do it, work together and make sure the hydrants are accessible.

Kevin Regan, PIO

02/21/2026

A Blizzard Warning has been issued in New York City, Nassau, Suffolk, and Southern Westchester Counties beginning tomorrow, February 22 at 6:00 a.m. until Monday, February 23 at 6:00 p.m. which means you could expect strong winds accompanied by falling and/or blowing snow, resulting in reduced visibility. “Fell-like” temperatures will be in the low teens. Wind gusts of up to 55-60 mph, possibly higher, are expected which may result in loss of electric and downed power lines.
Snowfall will begin during the day on Sunday, February 22nd, but the strongest winds and blizzard conditions are expected Sunday afternoon and throughout the day on Monday. Between 15-20 inches of snow is possible with snowfall rates up to 2 inches per hour at times.
• Charge cell phones and other electronic devices.
• If you have elderly neighbors, please check on them often and assist whenever possible.
• Remove your cars from the roadway so that the plows can pass easily through your street.
• Avoid travel if possible.
• If you must travel: clean off your vehicle before driving, drive slow and leave extra stopping distance between vehicles.
• Practice safe shoveling: dress warmly, stay hydrated, move only small amounts of snow, and take frequent breaks.
• Read and follow all safety guidelines when using a snowblower or generator.

Finally, If you have a hydrant near your home, please assist us and your neighbors by removing the snow at least 3 feet in all directions from around the hydrant. There has been a significant increase in house fires this past winter and there have been several instances where firefighters had to dig out hydrants to connect Fire Engines to an adequate water supply, thereby delaying firefighting efforts.
Don’t assume someone else will do it and help us to help you!

• If you have a FIRE or EMERGENCY call the Wantagh FD at 785-0125 or 911.
• If you experience a power outage call PSE&G LI at 1-800-490-0075
or text “OUT” to 773454 (PSEGLI).
• Monitor local news stations on the radio or TV to get the latest weather forecasts or go to www.weather.gov to get the latest updates from the National Weather Service.
Kevin Regan, PIO

02/18/2026

Official Wantagh Chamber 6th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade honoring the Wantagh Fire Department shirts are now available!! Only until March 1st so order now!! 👇👇

https://lifestylessports.chipply.com/WantaghChamberStPatricksDay/

Thank you Lifestyles Sports for the awesome online store!!

02/16/2026

Just before 9:00 pm on Saturday February 14, 2026 the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1662 Cornelius Avenue in Wantagh. Third Assistant Chief Rich Mongiello was first on scene and transmitted a working fire when he saw the entire side of the house engulfed in flames. He also requested PSEGLI due to electric wires on the ground and arcing. First Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann and Chief of Department Bill Stevens arrived moments later and Chief Stevens assumed command.
Engine 1, led by Captain Andrew Carpentier was first on scene and members went to work stretching a hose line and attacking the fire which traveled up the outside wall and was extending to the 2nd floor. Ladder 2, led by Captain Alexis Avolio, arrived and commenced search and ventilation operations. Engines 2, 3 and Ladder 1 arrived shortly after and crews augmented the first arriving crews, with an additional hose line stretched by Engine 3’s crew, led by Captain George Conaty. All visible fire was knocked down in roughly 10 minutes of arrival and crews continued to open up walls and check for further extension.
The Bellmore FD responded with a F.A.S.T. Truck for a firefighter emergency while the Seaford, North Bellmore and Bellmore Fire Departments were on standby at Wantagh Station 1 with an Engine, Ladder and Ambulance in the event of any other alarms. Additional Wantagh units on scene included Squad 1, Engine 7 and Rescues 1, 2 and 5 along with the EMS Captain.
All units were back in service in just over an hour before the scene was turned over to the Nassau County Fire Marshal and Nassau County Police Arson Squad to investigate the cause. There were no injuries reported.
Photos by Anthony Krussmann, LNBN photography and
Kevin Madigan, K2M Photography
Kevin Regan, PIO

02/11/2026

This past weekend was a very busy one for the men and women of the Wantagh Fire Department. While we all were dealing with the extreme cold temperatures, volunteers braved the cold and responded to nearly 25 calls for assistance on Saturday and Sunday alone, including a working fire in Wantagh and mutual aid for a working fire in Amityville and 2 additional working fires in North Bellmore.
At approximately 2:45 pm on Saturday members responded to a house fire at 3998 Alken Avenue in Seaford. Chief of Department William Stevens was first to arrive and reported a possible fire in the wall in the rear of the house. With the extent of travel through the walls unknown Chief Stevens transmitted a “signal 10,” working fire. Engine 2, led by Captain Mike Fratello was first to arrive and stretched a hose line to attack the fire. Ladder 1, led by Captain Andrew Carpentier assisted in locating the fire and opening the walls before ventilating the home. Due to aggressive operations all visible fire was knocked down in less than 15 minutes while overhaul continued for another 30-40 minutes
Additional Wantagh units at the scene included Engines 1, 3 and 7. Rescues 1, 2, 3 and 4, Squad 1, Rehab Unit and the Safety Officer and Medic. Mutual Aid was provided by the Bethpage and Levittown Fire Departments and the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management responded as well as the Mass Casualty Response Vehicle due to the extreme cold.
There were no injuries reported and a routine investigation was being conducted by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and Nassau County Police Department.
Photos by John Scalesi
Kevin Regan, PIO

Wantagh Fire Department

03/23/2026

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03/19/2026

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