Wantagh Fire Department

12/24/2025

12/23/2025

At approximately 9:18 am on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, the Wantagh FD responded to a call, which was initially received as a Carbon Monoxide Alarm at 2035 Seaford Avenue in Seaford. The homeowner, who was not home at the time, was able to access a camera in the home and observed a haze inside the home, prompting dispatcher Marc Besthoff to transmit a General Alarm for a house fire, alerting all stations. Third Assistant Chief Chris Dolley arrived and assumed command and transmitted a “Signal 10,” working fire.

Engine 1, led by Ex- Chief Tom Bloomfield, arrived, and his crew stretched a hose line into the house and quickly attacked the fire, bringing it under control in about 15-20 minutes. Engine 3, led by Captain Devin Oliver, arrived moments later and connected to a hydrant to feed Engine 1 a water supply and then stretched a second hose line. Ladder 1, led by Lieutenant JT McCarron, arrived and began to search and ventilate the dwelling, assisted by Ladder 2, led by Captain Mike Fratello. Additional Wantagh Fire Department Units included Engines 4, 5, and 7, Squad 1, Rescues 1, 2, 3, and 5, as well as the EMS Captain and Safety Officer.

A neighbor who entered the home before the Fire Department arrived to ensure there were no occupants was evaluated at the scene by a Police Medic from the Nassau County Police Department for minor smoke inhalation and refused further medical aid.

There were approximately 60 Firefighters and Fire Medics at the scene. Mutual Aid to the scene with a F.A.S.T. Truck in the event of a firefighter emergency was provided by the Seaford FD, as the Bellmore and Massapequa Fire Departments stood by with an Engine, Truck, and Rescue at Wantagh Station #1. All units were secure in about 60 minutes.

The cause and origin of the fire is under routine investigation by the Nassau County Police Arson Squad and Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Photos and story by
Kevin Regan, PIO

12/19/2025

At Monday night’s Board of Fire Commissioner’s meeting we welcomed 3 new members into the Department and a 4th will be sworn in later this month. We welcome them and wish them the very best!

If you’re interested in joining the Wantagh Fire Department as a Firefighter, Fire Medic or Explorer, go to our website at www.wantaghfd.com and click on the ‘join us’ tab. We are always looking for new members to help serve our community.

12/16/2025

Once again members of Engine 7 teamed up with our friends from Project Thank A Cop on Thursday December 11, 2025 help Santa bring toys and spread some holiday cheer for the staff and hospitalized children at NYU Langone Hospital - Long Island in Mineola. The Nassau County Sheriff’s Department and Mineola Fire Department were also on hand as the Mineola HS Choir braved the frigid cold and performed by the Hospital’s Main Entrance as staff came out to enjoy the festive atmosphere and many watched from the windows above.

Kevin Regan, PIO

12/15/2025

As we have had our first snow of the season we are asking you to help us help you by considering to “Adopt a Hydrant.” If you have an Fire Hydrant near your home please remove snow and ice accumulations at least 3 feet around in every direction, including the street. In the event of a fire every second counts and keeping hydrants accessible is critically important.

12/14/2025

We wish all our friends and family Peace, Joy, Light and many Blessings as you celebrate Hanukkah

12/13/2025

For the second time on Friday December 12, 2025 the Wantagh Fire Department received numerous calls reporting a House Fire, prompting Dispatcher Ed Campis to alert all stations for 150 Duckpond Drive in Wantagh. As it turns out, there were sheds, some brush and a fence on fire in the rear yard. Fortunately, there was no damage to the home. Chief of Department Leonard Mathewson was in command and he was assisted by Second Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann.
​Engine 2, led by Captain Mike Fratello arrived quickly and while connecting to a nearby hydrant, members stretched a hose line to the rear yard and began to attack the fire. Ladder 2, led by Captain Stefano Mastrandrea arrived and assisted with overhaul. Engines 3, 7, Ladder 1 and Rescue 2 were also on scene along with the Safety Officer, EMS Captain and Medic Car as Bethpage Engine 9055 and Ladder 3 stood by at Wantagh Station 2.
​The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and Nassau County Police Arson Squad. There were no injuries reported and all operations were complete in just more than an hour.
Photos by Harry Loud

Additional photos by Paul Mazza

Kevin Regan, PIO

12/13/2025

At approximately 12:20 am on Friday December 12, 2025 the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a house fire at 7 Wafer Lane in Wantagh. Dispatcher Marc Besthoff received several calls and upgraded the alarm immediately to a General Alarm and alerted all stations. Upon his arrival, Third Assistant Chief Chris Dolley transmitted a working fire in an attached garage and confirmed that all occupants were out of the house. First Assistant Chief Bill Stevens arrived and assumed command as Chief Dolley was joined by Second Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann to coordinate interior attack on the fire.
​Engine 2, led by Ex-Captain and Third Assistant Chief-Elect Richard Mongiello, arrived on scene within minutes and secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant and stretched a hose line to quickly knock down the fire and contain it to the garage. Ladder 2, led by Captain Sean Kelly, arrived and crews conducted search and ventilation operations. They were later assisted by Ladder 1, led by Lieutenant JT McCarron. Additional hose lines were stretched by crews from Engine 1 and Engine 3. All visible fire was knocked down in about 20 minutes as members continued to check for hot spots and conduct overhaul.
​Additional Wantagh Units included Rescues 2 and 5, along with the Safety Officer, EMS Captain and Medic Car. Mutual Aid was provided by the Levittown, Bethpage and Massapequa Fire Departments both at the scene and on standby at Wantagh Station 2. ​One Firefighter sustained a minor injury and was evaluated at the scene and refused further medical attention.
​The Nassau County Police Arson Squad and Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office were on scene conducting a routine investigation into the cause of the fire which did not appear to be suspicious. All units were back in service in approximately 90 minutes.

Photos by Kevin Madigan, K2M Photography

Additional photos by Paul Mazza

Kevin Regan, PIO

12/07/2025

On Thursday December 4, 2025 the Wantagh Fire Department held their annual elections for Chiefs and Line Officers.
First Assistant Chief William Stevens was elected to the position of Chief of Department. He will be assisted by First Assistant Chief Paul Krussmann, Second Assistant Chief Christopher Dolley and Third Assistant Chief Richard Mongiello.

Outgoing Chief of Department Leonard Mathewson thanked his Assistant Chiefs and the Department for their support over the past 8 years. He and his Assistant Chiefs then presented newly elected Chief Mongiello with his white helmet.

Kevin Regan, PIO

12/01/2025

Captain Patrick Maher, Lieutenant Alex Sternlieb from Engine 7, along with Fire Medic Mike Kushner, delivered a check and other items which were collected over the past few weeks to the Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior Organization, who will be delivering them to our Nation’s Wounded Warriors. If you’d like to donate you still can by sending it to: Nassau County Firefighters - Operation Wounded Warrior PO Box 295 Garden City, NY 11530

The members of Engine 7 wish to thank everyone that supported this worthy cause.

Kevin Regan, PIO