West Islip Fire Department

08/08/2025

08/05/2025

The West Islip Fire Department would like to announce a heartfelt congratulations to firefighter Dave Henry on being recognized by the Suffolk County Legislature’s 2025 Volunteer Firefighters for the 11th Legislative District. Dave’s decorated tenure in West Islip Fire Department boasts consistent dedication to knowledge, training, and safety. Dave’s unending devotion to our Department has had a profound impact on our members’ ability to accomplish the tasks set out for them. We are proud to see him honored.

Featured in this photo are firefighter Dave Henry (left) and Chief of the Department Rob Celeste (right).

07/29/2025

The West Islip Fire Department extends our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and fellow officers of NYPD Police Officer Didarul Islam of the 47th Precinct, who made the ultimate sacrifice on July 28, 2025.

We stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in blue as we remember and honor Officer Islam’s dedication, courage, and service to the people of New York City.

Fidelis Ad Mortem.
Rest in peace, Officer Islam. Your memory will live on.
🙏💙

07/04/2025

🎆🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day from the West Islip Fire Department! 🇺🇸🎆

As we celebrate the 4th of July with family, friends, and fireworks, we want to wish our entire community a safe and joyful holiday. Let’s honor the spirit of freedom by celebrating responsibly.

🔥 Safety Tips to Remember:
• Leave fireworks to the professionals — attend a public display.
• Keep grills away from structures and never leave them unattended.
• Always have water or a fire extinguisher nearby during outdoor celebrations.
• Watch out for heat and stay hydrated.

Our volunteers are proud to serve West Islip, and we’re here if you need us. But we’re hoping for a quiet night of celebration and community spirit.

🎇 Stay safe, stay smart, and have a fantastic 4th of July!

07/02/2025

🎆🚒 JULY 4th SAFETY MESSAGE FROM YOUR WEST ISLIP FIRE DEPARTMENT 🚒🎆

As we gear up for this year’s July 4th celebrations, your West Islip Fire Department wants to remind everyone that fireworks aren’t harmless—they’re extremely dangerous. Our firefighters and EMS teams respond to too many avoidable emergencies every year—don’t become another statistic.

NATIONWIDE:
➡️ In 2024, fireworks caused approximately 14,700 injuries. A 52% increase from the year before.
➡️ Over 1,700 ER visits involved sparklers alone, which burn at up to 2,000°F.
➡️ Fireworks also spark nearly 20,000 fires annually across the country.

We see the aftermath up close—burn injuries, house fires, emotional trauma—many of which could have been prevented.

✅ HOW TO CELEBRATE SAFELY
• Leave fireworks to the professionals. The safest way to enjoy them is at an organized public show.
• Never use fireworks if you’re impaired—alcohol or drugs drastically increase the risk.
• Sparklers are not toys. Hand them to children only with adult supervision, and have water nearby.

👥 And please think of your neighbors. Fireworks can be distressing for veterans, young children, the elderly, and pets.

Let’s keep this Independence Day safe and enjoyable for all. We’ll be ready to respond, as always—but we’d much rather you be safe and have fun!

06/28/2025

🎓🔥 Congratulations to the West Islip High School Class of 2025! 🔥🎓

The members of the West Islip Fire Department would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025! Your hard work, dedication, and resilience have brought you to this incredible milestone, and we couldn’t be more proud to celebrate this moment with our community’s future leaders.

As you move on to the next chapter—whether it’s college, the workforce, the military, or discovering your path—we wish you nothing but success, growth, and fulfillment. Remember, the journey ahead is full of opportunity, and with courage and determination, you can accomplish anything.

🎉 A very special congratulations to our own Firefighter Andrew Cooper, EMT Sarah Mallimo, and Dean Aziz on their graduation! Your commitment to serving our community while pursuing your education is truly inspiring. We’re incredibly proud of each of you and can’t wait to see all you accomplish in the future.

Your community is behind you, and the West Islip Fire Department will always be here cheering you on. 🎉💙💛

Best wishes to the Class of 2025! We are so proud of you!

06/23/2025

🔥 EXTREME HEAT WARNING 🔥

Temperatures in our area are expected to soar over the next three days, reaching 92° on Monday, 95° on Tuesday, and 91° on Wednesday. Prolonged heat like this can be dangerous — even deadly — if precautions aren’t taken.

The West Islip Fire Department urges everyone to take heat safety seriously. Here are some key tips to stay safe:

☀️ Dress Light – Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
❄️ Stay Cool – Stay in air-conditioned spaces whenever possible.
🚿 Cool Down – Take cool showers or baths to lower body temperature.
💧 Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
🍽️ Eat Light – Avoid heavy or hot meals.
🧴 Use Sunscreen – Apply SPF 15+ when spending time outside.
🚗 Stay Safe – Never leave children, pets, or anyone in a parked car.
📚 Stay Informed – Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The West Islip Fire Department is fully staffed and ready to respond to any emergencies during this heat wave. As always, if you or someone else needs assistance, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Let’s enjoy the weather safely! 😎☀️

06/16/2025

👨‍🚒 Happy Father’s Day from the West Islip Fire Department!

Today, we honor all the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures who guide with strength, lead with love, and protect with pride — both at home and in our community.

To the dads on our department who balance the call of duty with the responsibilities of fatherhood — thank you for your dedication, courage, and sacrifice.

Wishing all fathers a safe, joyful, and well-deserved day of appreciation. Happy Father’s Day!!

06/04/2025

🚨 Welcome to the West Islip Fire Department, Firefighter Joseph Badala Jr.! 🚨

Last night, history came full circle as Joseph Badala Jr. was officially sworn in alongside Chief of Department Robert Celeste by his father, Commissioner and Ex-Chief Joseph Badala. Joe will be serving with Mohawk Engine Company — the very same company where his father, grandfather, William Badala, served as a proud member and Ex-Chief, and where his uncle, Firefighter Stephen Badala, continues to serve today.

A third-generation firefighter, Joe continues a proud legacy of dedication, service, and commitment to the West Islip community. It’s safe to say that firefighting truly runs in the Badala family’s blood.

Congratulations and welcome aboard officially, Joe! We’re honored to have you with us. 👨‍🚒🔥

06/03/2025

🏖️☀️ Beach Safety Message from the West Islip Fire Department ☀️🏖️

As the warm weather returns and we all begin to enjoy the beautiful beaches in our area, the West Islip Fire Department would like to take a moment to remind everyone about the importance of beach safety.

Whether you’re spending the day at Robert Moses, Fire Island, or one of our local bays, please keep the following safety tips in mind to help ensure a fun and safe experience for all:

🌊 General Beach Safety Tips:

• Always swim near a lifeguard.
• Never swim alone—use the buddy system.
• Stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.
• Keep a close eye on children at all times.
• Avoid alcohol while swimming or supervising swimmers.
• Know your limits in the water—if you’re not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow areas.

🚩 Rip Current Awareness:
Rip currents are powerful, narrow channels of fast-moving water that can pull swimmers away from shore. They’re one of the most dangerous natural hazards at the beach. Here’s what to do:

• Don’t panic if caught in a rip current.
• Don’t try to swim directly back to shore. Instead, swim parallel to the shoreline to escape the current.
• Once free of the current, swim at an angle back to the shore.
• If you can’t escape, float or tread water and wave for help.

🤝 Partnering for Your Safety:
As always, the West Islip Fire Department will be working closely with the State Park EMTs at Robert Moses to ensure rapid response and the highest quality of patient care throughout the season. Our strong partnership means you’re in good hands—on the beach and beyond.

Let’s enjoy the summer safely—see you at the beach! 🌞🏊‍♂️

05/25/2025

🇺🇸 West Islip Memorial Day Parade Monday May 26th 🇺🇸

The West Islip Fire Department would like to remind our community to come out and show your support tomorrow, May 26th, for the annual West Islip Memorial Day Parade.

📍 Start Time: 10:00 AM
📍 Route: Begins on Udall Road, proceeds south on Higbie Lane, and concludes at Paul J. Bellew Elementary School.

This important day is an opportunity for our community to honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It’s also a great way to show support for all the local organizations that help make West Islip such a special place.

Bring your flags, wear your red, white, and blue, and line the parade route to help us pay tribute to our fallen heroes. We hope to see you there!