West Hempstead Fire Department Installs New Leadership

WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY. — The West Hempstead Fire Department gathered at the Sand Castle in Franklin Square Saturday night, celebrating its 101st installation dinner as a kickoff to new chief Andrew Brohm’s tenure and a farewell to outgoing chief Michael Vogt.

Also celebrated at the ceremony was Richard Bonacorsa and Ronald Magarie, both of whom have served in the department for 50 years, while 20-year veteran Robert DiMonda was also honored.

On site to honor the outgoing chief and the decades-long vets of the department was County Legislator Olena Nicks, a 15-year veteran of Uniondale’s fire department herself who highlighted the leadership of outgoing Chief Vogt.

“As a 15-year member of the Uniondale Fire Department, I have worked closely with the men and women of the West Hempstead Fire Department on numerous occasions to protect the people of the communities we love,” Nicks said. “Thank you to Chief Michael Vogt for your leadership and commitment to service, and congratulations to incoming Chief Andrew Brohm for stepping into this vital role!”

Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti also joined in the festivities, giving a shoutout to the chiefs and department vets on social media after the fact.

“As Supervisor, I’m proud to stand with them and grateful for the example they set for all of us in Hempstead Town,” Ferretti said.