Meet the Candidates: New Hyde Park Fire District

The position of Fire Commissioner in the New Hyde Park Fire District holds a five-year term. The election will be held on Tuesday, Dec.13 at the New Hyde Park Fire Department Headquarters on Jericho Turnpike from 1-9 p.m.

Richard Stein

Stein has been a member of the New Hyde Park Fire Department for the past 39 years and in running for re-election, he has helped to keep costs down in the fire district and to get grant money.

Stein has served for 20 years as a deputy safety inspector for the New York City Fire Department, has held the posts of lieutenant, captain and safety officer as a member of Active Hook & Ladder Co. 1, and also responds regularly to emergency medical calls the department receives.

Stein is proud to have helped reduced the budget successively for the past four years and is actively pursuing grants to further better the New Hyde Park Fire District. 

A lifelong resident of New Hyde Park, Stein is a graduate of New Hyde Park Memorial High School, has been named fireman of the year and earned the "Man of the Year" honor from the local Republican Party last summer. Stein has also served as chief of the New Hyde Park Auxiliary Fire Department and on the executive board of the Nassau County Fire Museum. He is also special assistant to New Hyde Park Village Justice Chris Devaine and a former assistant to Nassau County Court Judge David Sullivan.

Stein is an active member of the Gladiator Club; the New Hyde Park alumni club; the local Elks and Lions Clubs and is a volunteer with Wounded Warriors.  

"Over the last few years, I have worked hard and listened to the needs of our loyal volunteers within the fire department, while listening to the concerns of the community," Stein said. "In doing this, I have always acted responsibly to their suggestions and requests, thus ensuring a better, safer, work-friendly atmosphere for our volunteers and our taxpayers. My door is always open for suggestions, new ideas and innovative approaches."

Information provided by Richard Stein.

Anthony Vaglica

Vaglica is an outside candidate with prior extensive knowledge of the New Hyde Park Fire Department and is an ex-chief of the Department (was elected by his fellow firefighters in December 2000, served a five-year term).

Vaglica has four children enrolled in every level of schooling within the New Hyde Park school district and also runs a flourishing family-owned and operated construction company in town which supports the local economy.

Vaglica applies to manage his successful business and to raise his mid-sized family during these though economic times. He said he will utilize his skills on the Board to create budget solutions that are fair to taxpayers, while maintaining the highest-level of fire and rescue services.

Vaglica is also a proud member of the NHP Dad’s Club; Gladiator’s Fund; Cellini Lodge and Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warriors. In addition, Vaglica co-contributed to NHP Memorial High School for updated athletic uniforms (football) and has coached the NHP Little League boys’ baseball team as well.

Vaglica says he “will ultimately have the best intentions for NHPFD and our locals at heart.”

Information Provided by Anthony Vaglica.