7 Unbelievable Facts About The Glen Cove Fire Department: 180 Years Of Heroism And Modern Rescue Operations
The Glen Cove Fire Department (GCFD), a cornerstone of the City of Glen Cove’s safety infrastructure, continues its nearly two-century legacy of all-volunteer service, demonstrating unparalleled commitment and operational excellence, as evidenced by their critical responses in late 2024 and throughout 2025. This historic department, which celebrated its 180th Anniversary, is not just a relic of the past; it is a highly-trained, modern rescue force that tackles everything from complex commercial fires to life-saving residential rescues in Nassau County.
Operating entirely on the dedication of its volunteer members, the GCFD's recent activities highlight their continuous readiness, including major incidents like a commercial fire at Razzano's Imports and multiple high-stakes apartment building incidents. The department's current leadership and recent apparatus acquisitions, like the state-of-the-art 2024 Seagrave Attacker, ensure they remain at the forefront of the Long Island fire service.
The Glen Cove Fire Department: Structure, Leadership, and Companies (2024-2025)
The Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department (GCVFD) is a unified department composed of several distinct companies, each specializing in a critical aspect of firematic and rescue operations. Their structure ensures comprehensive coverage and specialized response capabilities across the City of Glen Cove. The department’s leadership is elected and serves a critical role in managing the volunteer force and coordinating with city officials.
- Chief of Department (2024-2025): Chief Phil Grella Jr.
- Key Leadership: Chief Grella Jr. has over 38 years of experience in the volunteer fire service and was re-elected to his current position, providing stable and experienced leadership. The department also relies on its First Assistant Chief and Second Assistant Chief Justin.
The Five Foundational Companies
The GCFD is comprised of five main companies, all operating out of the central fire station at 10 Glen Cove Avenue, with a dedicated Rescue Squad providing specialized services:
- Chemical Engine Co. No. 1: One of the primary engine companies, recently receiving a major apparatus upgrade.
- Pacific Engine & Hose Co. No. 1: Another critical engine company, often working in tandem with Chemical Engine Co. No. 1.
- Hook & Ladder Co. No. 1: Responsible for truck company operations, including ventilation, search and rescue, and elevated water streams.
- Engine & Hose Co. No. 4: Known for being the first company to take delivery of twin pumpers for the GCVFD in 1994, it maintains a strong operational history.
- Rescue Squad: The dedicated unit for heavy rescue, motor vehicle accidents, and specialized emergency services.
The Modern Fleet: New Apparatus and Operational Readiness
To maintain peak operational readiness, the Glen Cove Fire Department consistently updates its fleet of Long Island fire trucks. The arrival of new apparatus is a major event, often marked by a traditional "wetdown" ceremony, celebrating the new tools that protect the community. This commitment to modern equipment is essential given the wide range of calls the GCFD responds to—over 700 calls for help annually.
1. The 2024 Seagrave Attacker: A New Era of Firefighting
The most significant recent addition to the GCFD fleet is the 2024 Seagrave Attacker. This state-of-the-art pumper was acquired for both Chemical Engine Company 521 and Pacific Engine Company 523. This modern apparatus, with its 1750 GPM pump and 500-gallon tank capacity, represents a major investment in the safety of Glen Cove residents and provides the volunteer firefighters with the best tools available for rapid and effective fire suppression.
2. The Rescue Squad’s Heavy Rescue Capabilities
The Rescue Squad operates a dedicated heavy rescue vehicle, such as the 1996 Pierce Dash walk-in, which is vital for complex scenarios beyond simple fire suppression. Their expertise is utilized for everything from stuck elevators to motor vehicle accidents and technical rescues, demonstrating that the GCFD’s mission extends far beyond just fighting fires.
Recent High-Stakes Incidents and Life-Saving Rescues (2024-2025)
The true measure of a fire department is its performance during critical, time-sensitive events. The Glen Cove Fire Department’s recent track record showcases their rapid response and effective coordination, saving lives and property in major emergencies.
3. Apartment Fire Rescues: Saving 15 Lives on Glen Cove Avenue
In a major early morning incident on Glen Cove Avenue, the quick actions of the Glen Cove Police and Fire Department were credited with rescuing fifteen individuals. This event highlights the seamless coordination between local emergency services and the GCVFD’s ability to manage large-scale evacuations and rescues under extreme pressure.
4. The Multi-Victim Apartment Blaze
Another significant incident saw the GCFD responding to an early morning apartment fire that resulted in the displacement of 17 residents and injuries to three people. The building sustained serious structural damage, requiring evaluation by the Glen Cove City Building Department. Incidents like this underscore the constant danger faced by the volunteer firefighters and the necessity of their rapid, professional intervention to mitigate catastrophic damage and injury.
5. Commercial Fire at Razzano's Imports
Demonstrating their capability to handle industrial and commercial structures, the GCFD was dispatched to a report of flames from the roof at Razzano's Imports. Commercial fires present unique challenges due to building structure, stored materials, and potential for rapid spread. The department's successful handling of this August 2025 commercial fire is a testament to their continuous training and tactical proficiency.
A Legacy of Service: History, Honors, and Community Engagement
The history of the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department is one of continuous service and sacrifice, dating back 180 years. This deep-rooted history provides the topical authority and community trust that defines the GCFD.
6. Honoring the Fallen: Ex-Captain James A. Hall
The GCFD ensures that the sacrifices of its members are never forgotten. A street renaming ceremony was held to mark the 50th Anniversary of the Line of Duty Death (LODD) of Ex-Captain James A. Hall. Such tributes reinforce the department's commitment to honor its history and the ultimate sacrifice made by its members in the line of duty.
7. Celebrating a 52-Year Veteran: Ex-Captain Jeffrey Jackson, Sr.
In July 2024, the department laid to rest Ex-Captain Jeffrey Jackson, Sr., a dedicated member who served the community for an incredible 52 years. The longevity of service among its members, like Ex-Captain Jackson, speaks volumes about the dedication inherent in the Glen Cove volunteer fire service.
Community and Firematic Education
Beyond emergency response, the GCFD is deeply integrated into the City of Glen Cove community through various programs:
- Annual Open House: Every October, the department sponsors an open house event. This is a crucial initiative for fire prevention, offering special “hands-on” learning events that teach children and residents important safety guidelines.
- Guns & Hoses Softball Game: The department participates in the annual Guns & Hoses Softball Game, a community event that pits firefighters against police officers, fostering camaraderie and community goodwill.
- 180 Years of Service: The department is celebrating nearly two centuries of service, having been established to respond to calls for far more than just fires, including stuck elevators and other specialized rescues, a tradition that continues today.
The Glen Cove Fire Department remains a vital, dynamic, and historically significant entity in Nassau County. Its combination of a dedicated, all-volunteer force, modern apparatus like the 2024 Seagrave Attacker, and a continuous focus on community safety and firematic education ensures that the City of Glen Cove is protected by one of Long Island’s most experienced and effective emergency services.
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