Wantagh Fire Department

At approximately 9:45 am on Monday June 15, 2026 the Wantagh FD responded to a van on fire northbound on the Wantagh Parkway south of Merrick Road in Wantagh. Second Assistant Chief Chris Dolley was in command as Engine 3, led by Lieutenant Phil Schaaf, quickly stretched a hose line and extinguished the blaze. Engines 1 and 5 were also on the scene assisting.
One civilian sustained a minor injury and was treated and transported to an area hospital by NCPD Ambulance. All units were back in service in about 30 minutes.
Photos by Anthony Krussmann
Kevin Regan, PIO

On Friday June 12, 2026 members from Rescue 2 were on hand at the Lee Road Elementary School to receive a Pediatric Trauma Bag which was purchased after a year-long project and fundraising efforts by students from the Kiwanis “K-Kids” program. At an assembly attended by fellow students, Principal Ms. Jami Anspach spoke about the K-Kids Program. She then introduced 4th grade teachers Mrs. Kirsten Quinn and Ms. Emily Dunbar, advisors for the club, who in turn spoke about the work the students did to plan, organize and raise the $1,000.00 needed in order to purchase the Trauma Kit through the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Foundation.
Joe Corace from the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center Foundation spoke about the Foundation, stating that this was the 350th Trauma Kit purchased through the program. Levittown Kiwanis President Linda Crozier, joined by Kiwanian Lisa Vanderburg, announced that the Lee Road K-Kids were selected by the NYS Kiwanis as a Distinguished Club for their exceptional service this year. One of the student leaders of the K-Kids club stated that he was “proud to help other kids and to know that the Trauma Kit could possibly help others kids in our community.”
Wantagh Fire Department EMS Lieutenant Kristen Assortato was joined by Medics Marvin Berg and Chelsea Koelling in accepting the donation. They all agreed, that they were happy to receive this important equipment and hopeful that they never need to use it.
Kevin Regan, PIO

The Chiefs, Board of Fire Commissioners, officers and members of Company 2 and Ladder 2 regret to announce the passing of Department Life Member Paul Gruber, Sr.
Paul served as an active member of the Department for more than 38 years.

Funeral arrangements private. There will be no Department services.

May he rest in peace.

At approximately 4:50 pm on Thursday June 11, 2026 the Wantagh Fire Department responded to a house fire at 571 Wagstaff Drive in East Meadow. Chief of Department William Stevens arrived within 3 minutes and upon observing heavy smoke coming from the attic area he transmitted a “signal 10,” working fire. Chief Stevens also requested PSEG LI immediately due to a downed power line in the rear of the house.
Engine 2, led by Captain Justin Bristol, secured a water supply from a nearby hydrant and stretched a hose line to attack the fire. An additional Hose line was stretched by Engine 3, led by Captain George Conaty, followed by a third hose line stretched by a crew from Engine 7. Captain Andrew Carpentier was in command of Ladder 1, who commenced search and ventilation operations aided by a crew from Levittown FD Ladder 6. North Bellmore Ladder 657 was on scene as the F.A.S.T. Truck in the event of a firefighter emergency. All visible fire was knocked down in about 20 minutes and crews continued to open up the walls and ceilings to check for hot spots.
Due to the extreme temperatures additional resources that were brought to the scene from the Bethpage and Bellmore Fire Departments while Seaford and East Meadow handled several additional alarms that occurred throughout the Wantagh Fire District while members were handling the house fire. The Nassau County Medical Emergency Response Vehicle (MERV) responded in the event it was needed to assist in rehab operations while the EMS Captain set up Medical Command with Rescues 1 and 2. 1 Firefighter was transported to an area hospital where he was treated and released for a minor heat related condition.
Investigators from the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s office and Nassau County Police Department Arson/Bomb Squad were on scene to investigate the cause of the blaze, which did not appear suspicious. All operations at the scene were complete in approximately 90 minutes.
Kevin Regan, PIO

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for the area from noon today through 8:00 pm Friday. The forecast calls for high temperatures as well as high humidity, which could result in heat related illness, especially for children and the elderly. There is an increased chance of scattered thunderstorms throughout the period, especially in the afternoon and evening.

In addition, there is an air quality alert in effect from 11 am to 11 pm today. Those with breathing issues and heart conditions may experience an increase in difficulty breathing throughout the period and should avoid outdoor activities as much as they can.

Stay tuned to local media outlets or weather.gov for frequent updates and additional information on how to prepare for extreme weather.

The Wantagh FD would like to offer the following tips for staying safe and avoiding illness:

• Avoid strenuous activity. Rest often and avoid the sun when possible.
• Try to perform outdoor activities early or late in the day whenever possible to avoid long exposure to the sun.
• Drink plenty of water – stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages, which will cause dehydration.
• Wear loose fitting /light colored clothing.
• Check on neighbors that are elderly or have health/breathing problems
• NEVER leave anyone (or pets) in an unattended car, even for “a minute”
• Make sure you watch your pets closely. Avoid walking dogs on hot asphalt which could burn the pads of their feet
• Only use high-energy demand appliances (Dishwashers, washers/dryers, etc.) late at night to avoid over-stressing the electrical system.

Nassau County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has established "cooling centers” staffed by Parkes Department personnel at the following locations to help residents stay cool:

• Cantiague Park, Hicksville (9-4)
• Mitchell Field, Uniondale (9-4)
• Wantagh Park, Wantagh (9-4)
• The former Nassau County Family Court Building, Westbury (24/7)

For additional info call 516-573-0636 or go to: www.nassaucountyny.gov/OEM

Kevin Regan, PIO

At approximately 11:00 pm on June 4, 2026 the Wantagh FD responded to a Natural Gas Leak on the Wantagh Parkway near the bike path in the vicinity of the first bridge, south of Merrick Road. Construction workers apparently accidentally struck a 4” gas line. Chief of Department William Stevens was in command and had Fire Department resources stage in the event of an emergency and prevent any vehicular or pedestrian traffic from entering the area as the awaited the arrival of National Grid to stop the leak. In addition, he ordered Marine 31 to deploy on the east side of the bridge while Merrick FD’s Marine 24 manned the west side to prevent any vessels from going under the bridge.
Assistant Chiefs Krussmann, Dolley and Mongiello were on scene to assist in operations along with Engines, 3, 4 and 5, Squad 1 and Rescue 2 and the Safety Officer. A mutual aid Engine from Seaford was also on scene. All units remained on the scene for nearly 2 hours until 2 valves were located and shut off by National Grid workers to stop the flow of Natural Gas and allow for repair at a later time. There were no injuries reported.

Photos provided by Chief Mongiello
Kevin Regan, PIO

On Monday June 1, 2026 a very deserving Wantagh High School graduating senior was present before our Department Meeting to receive the 2026 William A. Haps Scholarship. The Scholarship is awarded in the name of Mr. Haps, who died in 1989, to honor his 42-years of commitment to the Wantagh Fire Department.
Firemedic Danielle Barretta from the Scholarship Committee spoke about the selection criteria which include the requirement of several letters of recommendation as well as the candidate’s intent to study programs in the humanities fields including: emergency services, criminal justice, nursing, teaching, social work, medicine or a similar service to their fellow man. Academics, extracurricular activities, financial need are all taken into consideration for selection and all candidates are interviewed. She then read their impressive resumes.
Faith Stallone was the recipient this year. She is an exceptional young woman that dedicates a great deal of her time and talent to the community. She volunteers with the Miss Wantagh, Student Government and Key Clubs and is a Sunday School teacher at her church. She has earned her Gold Award from the Girl Scouts by organizing a project that educates about food insecurity and supported the food pantry at her church and she continues to help young girls lead their Girl Scout meetings.
Faith will be attending SUNY Geneseo where she will be studying Elementary Education in the Honors College. With her teachers describing her as kind, patient, caring, driven and dedicated to community service and her weighted average of 96%, there is little doubt that Faith will continue on the road to success!
We congratulate Faith for all of her success and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
Kevin Regan, PIO