EMFD Responds to 1,718 Calls for Assistance in 2025, a 3.6% Increase over 2024 Call Volumes

The East Meadow Fire Department’s volunteer firefighters and emergency medics responded to 1,718 calls for assistance in 2025, a 3.6% increase over 2024, according to the Board of Fire Commissioners.

“The upward trend in call volume, coupled with fewer volunteers joining the ranks of the volunteer fire and emergency medical services in East Meadow and across Long Island, is a growing concern,” stated Commissioner Carey Welt. “Our dedicated volunteers are essential to keeping our community safe, and their commitment inspires others to get involved.”

In 2025, the department responded to 851 fire calls, including structure fires, car fires, rubbish and brush fires, and automatic fire alarms (alarms triggered by smoke or heat detectors), representing 3.15% more dispatches than in 2024. Calls for emergency medical services were up nearly 6% during the same period: 747 calls in 2025 versus 704 in 2024. Motor vehicle accidents were slightly down year over year, with 120 calls in 2025 compared to 128 in 2024.

The East Meadow Fire Department has created several initiatives to boost its volunteer ranks, including publicizing the need for volunteers on electronic signs outside each of the department’s firehouses and distributing a district-wide newsletter three times a year that contains information about joining the fire department. Several open-house recruitment drives throughout the year help interested individuals learn more about what the job entails and the benefits of volunteering.

“Volunteering as a firefighter or medic offers not only the chance to give back to the community, but can also be a springboard for a career in emergency services,” said Commissioner Keith Hoffman, who pointed at that many of East Meadow’s volunteers serve as police officers, paid firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, and transfer those skills in the performance of their service to the community and to their colleagues in the fire department. “Volunteers in East Meadow and across Nassau County are entitled to certain property tax exemptions, scholarships to the community college, a free annual health exam, a service award pension program and many other advantages in addition to the satisfaction gained knowing that you are doing something good.”

The East Meadow Fire District covers over 7.5 square miles and includes East Meadow as well as parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury). Our dedicated corps of 220 volunteers responds to fires, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, and other emergencies from five fire stations throughout the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The East Meadow Fire Department is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary. Volunteering provides valuable skills, training, and opportunities for personal growth. Benefits include 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.