In November of 1930, a small group of dedicated local residents, along with members of an existing fire company, expressed their concern for better fire protection in their community. These residents were willing to provide it themselves and on Jan. 12, 1931, this powerful idea of neighbors serving neighbors became a reality with the creation of Engine Co. 2. Ninety-five years later, that commitment of neighbors serving neighbors still exists as we continue to serve our community.

Today, as we celebrate our 95th anniversary, Engine Co. 2 continues to answer the call, and our mission lies beyond the firehouse doors. Since our founding, giving back to East Meadow has been every bit as central to who we are as the emergency response itself — two halves of the same commitment to this community.

The Long Island Firefighter Cigar Smokeout

Each year, that mission takes center stage at the Long Island Firefighter Cigar Smokeout, held under a massive tent at the East Meadow Fireman’s Benevolent Hall. More than 300 guests gather for an evening of great food, cocktails, music, and top-shelf cigars, alongside a raffle featuring 50 to 75 incredible prizes.

What began as a modest fundraiser has grown into one of the largest events of its kind on Long Island, thanks to the generosity of corporate sponsors and local businesses who understand something important: when they support Engine Co. 2, they’re investing in the community that supports them right back.

This year, the 4th Annual Long Island Firefighter Cigar Smokeout will take place Sept. 19, at the East Meadow Fireman’s Benevolent Association Hall in East Meadow, N.Y.

A Legacy of Giving Back

The proceeds from our fundraising efforts don’t sit in a bank account — they go straight back into East Meadow. When one of our own members was critically ill and passed away within just two months of his diagnosis, our fire company rallied to support his family in their time of need.

Two years ago, we built a handicap accessibility ramp for a 9/11 first responder confined to a wheelchair, giving him the ability to leave his home safely and make it to his doctor’s appointments — independence he had been without for far too long.

Every December for more than 20 years, our Christmas Sled — now in its second generation thanks to fundraising support — carries Santa to 18 to 20 stops throughout East Meadow, where families line up for the chance to see him and capture a cherished photo together. It's one of the most beloved traditions in our community calendar.

Our fundraising efforts are going to allow us to again adopt a local family for the holidays, providing them with a full Christmas dinner and gifts so no family in East Meadow goes without during the season.

Investing in Our Future

None of this happens by accident, and none of it happens without resources. At a time when volunteerism nationwide is on the decline, fire companies like ours depend more than ever on the communities we serve to join our ranks.

Our fundraising and events aren’t just about the causes they support, they’re also how we introduce East Meadow to who we are, build relationships with future members, and keep the tradition of volunteer service alive for the next generation.

Expanding Our Impact: The East Meadow Firefighters Foundation

Building on this mission, I, along with other senior members, recently founded the East Meadow Firefighters Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to supporting the volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel of the East Meadow Fire Department, including our junior fire company, the future of our department and our community.

The foundation was born out of a real gap we identified in our fundraising efforts. For years, there were corporations that recognized the value of the continued Class “A” fire protection we provide to East Meadow but were unable to make annual donations to the fire department directly, simply because we were not structured as a not-for-profit organization.

The East Meadow Firefighters Foundation was created specifically to fill that void — giving these companies, and others like them, a direct and meaningful way to invest in the men and women who protect our community. Now, with a formal charitable structure in place, we can proactively solicit the corporate support that had been just out of reach and put those resources to work for our department.

Through the foundation, we’re working to bridge the gap between limited public funding and the real needs of our members, securing resources for recruitment events, additional training, educational scholarships, and death and welfare funds that help our firefighters serve safely and effectively.

Together, Engine Co. 2 and the East Meadow Firefighters Foundation are building toward the same vision: a future where our volunteer firefighters receive the recognition, resources, and appreciation they’ve earned, and where East Meadow remains a safer, stronger, and more resilient community for generations to come.

To donate to the East Meadow Firefighters Foundation, please contact Frank Ciaccio at (914) 351-0826 or email him at FCiaccio@EastMeadowFD.com