A Chat with Mineola Chief William J. Mahoney

Last week Ex-Chief was laid to rest after succumbing to complications relating to his long battle with cancer. Approximately 2 years ago, the ex-Chief gave a small interview about his position and duties within the department:

Approximately how many calls a year did you have? What types of calls?

During my tenure as Chief of the Department, I had the opportunity to serve the village alongside first assistant Chief Gary Mazur and second assistant Chief Walter Langer, who has since passed and we all miss dearly. Together we received approximately 400-450 calls. Those calls ranged from signal 10 calls, house fires, car fires and automatic alarms. In fact within the first 24 hours as becoming chief of the department I dealt with a signal 10 working house fire.

What other jobs were you doing during your time as Chief? (Work, family)

 Besides being chief of the department, I worked for Siemens Corporation as an operations manager and then unfortunately lost my job due to a company acquisition. From there I balanced interviews and parenting, while priding myself in making every athletic game for each one of my three children. Also, during this time I was fortunate to obtain a position at . Thanks in part to the great people at Winthrop I was able to actively make daytime fires due to my close proximity to all areas around the village.

What new equipment or procedures did you implement during your tenure?

Throughout my tenure we implemented various entry tools for both the engine and truck companies. We installed magnetic key readers so we knew who entered the department at all times. Also I implemented that when you become a chief you received your chief car and that was the vehicle that stayed with you through your tenure.

What type of Chief’s car did you have?

I had a Ford crown Victoria with a police package equipped in the vehicle. This consisted of a better suspension, bigger engine as well as a series of lights and sirens that were state of the art for its time.

What was your most memorable fire as chief?

My most memorable fire was a signal 10 fire at the Birchwood apartments. This was one of the first times the incident command center was used to its fullest potential, this is something we worked hard at achieving after the rehabilitation fire and it all came together that night, due in large part by every fire fighter who arrived to the scene that day. Notably we received a citation from Nassau County for our efforts in fighting that blaze.

What advice would you give to today’s officers?

The advice I would give today’s officers is to know how the buildings, parking garages and new homes are built and to drill and practice on techniques for fighting these types of fires. To be prepared for the worst because when you are challenged in a difficult situation you will be able to react and not panic. Lastly, remember the safety of your men is the most important.