North Amityville Fire To Hire FDNY Deputy Chief

BABYLON, NY — The North Amityville Fire Co. Inc. will have a new leader.

The fire company, along with the Town of Babylon will hire FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb, to oversee the shuttered fire company’s operations, Newsday reported.

Leeb, 52, of West Babylon has been with the FDNY for 30 years and chief of the FDNY’s fire academy for the past two years. He is also a longtime member and former captain of the East Farmingdale Fire Company.

According to FDNY spokesman James Long, Leeb does not require a waiver or approval for the work with North Amityville, Newsday said.

“I’m very happy that we were able to get someone as experienced as FDNY Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb to help oversee North Amityville Fire Company’s operations," said Supervisor Richard Schaffer in a statement to Patch. "In doing so, we have moved one step closer in getting the dedicated members back to providing emergency services that North Amityville residents deserve.”

Last month, the Town of Babylon cancelled its contract with North Amityville Fire Co., after a third party human resources consultant found staff shortages and delays in response times that could impact residents' safety.

Supervisor Richard Schaffer also told News12 that the problems at the fire department began several years ago when allegations of financial mismanagement, sexual harassment and violence were leveled against the fire company's board members and other members.

Emergency calls were assigned to to the Copiague, North Lindenhurst and Amityville fire departments along with the East Farmingdale Fire Co., while the fire department was closed.

According to the town, Leeb's annual salary will be $45,000. Newsday also reported that the fire company also has agreed to name the town’s human resources consultant, John Coverdale, as part of the receivership.

The town will hold a public hearing at 3:30 p.m. March 1 on restoring North Amityville’s contract.