EMFD Volunteers Bring Joy & Toys to Children in the Hospital

Recently, Santa Claus, some of his elves, and even the Grinch joined members of the East Meadow Fire Department, bringing toys and joy to children at Nassau University Medical Center’s Pediatric Ward. The EMFD’s Annual Jimmy Martino Memorial Toy Drive provides gifts for children who may be in the hospital and are not at home for the holidays.

Besides giving of their time as firefighters and emergency medical service volunteers, the toy drive and distribution is one of many civic activities that EMFD members perform throughout the community, including conducting a turkey drive to help local families in need.

The Jimmy Martino Memorial Toy Drive was created to honor the memory of longtime EMFD volunteer and Fire Commissioner James “Jimmy” Martino, who passed away at age 56 in 2006. Born and raised in East Meadow, Commissioner Martino, known for his caring, generosity and dedication to the community and its fire department, began his career as a firefighter at age 18, following in the footsteps of his father, Peter, a former fire chief. Jimmy achieved the rank of captain of Engine Company No. 3 before becoming a fire commissioner. He served as a commissioner from 1980 to 2005.

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.