John J. Priest Reelected East Meadow Fire District Commissioner

Commissioner John J. Priest was reelected to the East Meadow Fire District’s Board of Commissioners at the annual fire district elections on Tuesday, December 10, 2024.

Commissioner Priest, a longtime East Meadow Fire Department’s Engine Company #1 volunteer, has held numerous leadership posts during more than 40 years of service. This includes two terms as company captain (1999 and 2015) and two as Chief of the East Meadow Fire Department (2003 and 2012).

In addition to his involvement in the fire department, Commissioner Priest is active in several community-based organizations, including the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce, where he serves on the Board of Directors.

The Board of Fire Commissioners is a five-member body elected to five-year terms by registered voters with the fire district. Their prime responsibilities, which are set by state law, include levying taxes to provide the funding necessary to operate and maintain the East Meadow Volunteer Fire Department and adopting budgets that fund the department’s day-to-day operations. Commissioners also approve the purchase of apparatus and safety equipment needed to fight fires and provide emergency medical services.

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.