EMFD Ladder 2 Celebrates 65 Years of Service to the Community

In the spring of 1956, what was once a patchwork of potato farms was blossoming into Nassau County’s largest suburban community as Levitt & Sons were quickly building homes in the northern end of the East Meadow Fire District. Recognizing the need to provide additional fire protection to serve the growing community, Chief Dominick Santoro convinced the Board of Fire Commissioners that another fire company was needed.

On March 22, 1956, Chief Santoro presided over the newly formed Ladder Company Two at the recently built two-bay firehouse at Newbridge Road and Salisbury Park Drive on land Levitt had donated several years earlier. Ladder Two shares the firehouse with Engine Company #3, which was formed in 1948.

Captain Jeremiah Soper took command of the 13-member company, distributing secondhand coats, boots, and helmets to the new firefighters. The new ladder company was assigned a used 1937 Buffalo pumper, which was eventually replaced with a second-hand 1950 Ward LaFrance truck that served the community well until it was replaced in 1971 with the Company’s first new truck.

The new company faced its first major commercial fire on January 27, 1958, at Shoe King Sam, on Hempstead Turnpike. Over the next ten years, the department’s newest company would earn a reputation for its dedication to training and innovation on the fireground. Through the 1960s and 70s, Ladder Two members rose to the rank of Chief, were elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners, or were appointed to the Nassau County Fire Service Academy. Their expertise came back to the company and propelled its members further. Many went on to become EMFD Chief Officers; joined the paid fire services within the FDNY; worked as Nassau County Fire Marshals; and served on the Nassau, Suffolk, and New York City police departments. Several received medals and citations for saving lives and for individual acts of bravery.

Sixty-five years later, Ladder Company Two, now proudly known as “The Newbridge Express,” evolved from a small group of volunteers cleverly utilizing secondhand equipment to a highly professional, well-respected, highly trained, and well-equipped ladder company.

“We offer our congratulations to the members of Ladder Company Two, on the occasion of their 65th anniversary and wish them continued success in their service to the community. Ladder Two continues to exemplify the spirit, dedication, and professionalism of the East Meadow Fire Department, always ready to respond to any emergency, any time of the day or night,” said Commissioner James Surless, Chairman of the Board.

The East Meadow Fire Department, which covers East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury), is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary. The fire department provides the training required. There are numerous benefits associated with volunteering, including tax breaks, college scholarships, annual health checkups, life insurance, and a service award pension program, all at no cost. For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit www.eastmeadowfd.com, or call 516-542-4565.