The Hicksville Fire Department recently swore in Frank M. McGeough, the 2014 Chief of the Department, at a ceremony held at HFD Headquarters. Chief McGeough, a former Captain of Independent Engine and Hose Company No. 2, previously served as Assistant Chief since 2008 and is a 20 year member of the department.
For the first time in the history of the department, the membership elected a female to the position of assistant chief. Newly elected 3rd Assistant Chief Elizabeth “Liz” Flahavan, a former Captain of Heavy Rescue Company No. 8, has been a member of the department since 1988 and is a NYS certified Emergency Medical Technician. Recently, Chief Flahavan was honored with the 2013 “Nassau County Firematics Award” for service to the community.
Also sworn was newly elected Fire Commissioner Anthony Wigdzinski, a former chief of the department, as well as 1st Assistant Chief Richard Diaz and 2nd Assistant Chief Robert Telender. Department members were also on hand at the ceremony to thank out-going Chief of Department Christopher Moskos for his eight years of service in the chief’s office.
Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners Robert Lang said, “The Board of Fire Commissioners is proud and happy to welcome Commissioner Wigdzinski and congratulate the new slate of chiefs this year. We are excited to work with Chief McGeough and we are very confident that he will continue the excellent leadership that he has displayed over the past six years as assistant chief. In light of an increase in female membership in recent years, we are particularly happy to see a woman elected to chief for the first time and we wish Chief Flahavan the best of luck in her new position. I am sure she will do a great job.”
Chief of Department McGeough said, “I am honored to be elected to lead the Hicksville Fire Department and continue a long tradition of excellence and service to the people of Hicksville. I would like to thank Chief Moskos for his leadership and guidance over the past eight years and I would also like to welcome Chief Flahavan to her new position. I am certain that she will make a great addition to the leadership of the department.”
Third Assistant Chief Flahavan remarked “It is truly an honor to be selected by the department membership to this position, which I am sure will be both challenging and rewarding. Congratulations to Chief McGeough. I am looking forward to working with him as well as Chief Diaz and Chief Telender.”
