Politics & Government
Justin McCaffrey Running For Massapequa Fire Commissioner
Patch takes a look at the candidates who want to serve your community.
Justin McCaffrey is currently running for the position of Fire Commissioner of the Massapequa Fire District.
A 31-year veteran of the Department, McCaffrey had previously held the position from March of 1991 to December of 1999, while at the time also working as a New York City Police Sergeant. However, conflicts arose with the NYPD, making it necessary for McCaffrey to step down as Fire Commissioner.
“Back then, we weren’t allowed to hold an elected office as police officers,” he said. “It was a weird rule from the 1860’s...they’ve since changed that.”
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Born and raised in Massapequa, McCaffrey’s credentials are as varied as they come. Currently serving as the current Commissioner of Public Safety for the Town of Oyster Bay, McCaffrey has also been an Emergency Medical Technician for 30 years.
“I’m very active and involved in the department,” he said. “I think I would be an asset to the Fire District board.”
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During his previous tenure as Fire Commissioner, which is an unpaid service, McCaffrey oversaw the daily maintenance of the Department’s vehicles, firehouse construction, and purchasing of state-of-the-art bunker gear for the firefighters.
“I helped to transition our department over from our old-fashioned boots and leather helmets to what you see today,” he said. “I was instrumental in that.”
McCaffrey said that his current job as Commissioner of Public Safety for the Town of Oyster Bay and EMT, not to mention his past job as a police officer, has helped to increase the qualifications he plans to bring to the table as Fire Commissioner.
“I currently do public safety and emergency management, and I was also deployed down to assist when Hurricane Katrina hit in New Orleans,” he said. “I also have 20 years experience in law enforcement...I think I would be well-suited for the job of Fire Commissioner.”
McCaffrey hopes to fill the large vacancy left by the departure of current Commissioner Sheldon Moskowitz, who stepped down after holding the position for 11 years.
McCaffrey is currently running for the position uncontested.
The Massapequa Fire District election will take place on Tuesday, December 13, at all three of the Massapequa Fire Department fire houses. The elections will run from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.
