Crime & Safety

Garden City Fire Chiefs, Officers Take The Oath

Mayor John Watras praised the volunteers' "365, 7/24" efforts.

Mayor John Watras administered the oath of office to incoming Garden City Fire Department Chief William Castoro and his three assistant chiefs, Joseph R. Nadolny, Brian G. Gallo and Thomas Strysko, during a brief ceremony Thursday at village hall.

Fire commissioner and trustee Dennis Donnelly administered the oath of office to the department's corporate/line officers.

"It's incredible," the mayor said as he praised the village volunteers. "365, 7/24 it's unbelievable ... Sandy was incredible. It's a perfect example. Every time you went over to that firehouse you were there, getting tired and weary but still involved. I can't thank you gentlemen enough, none of us can, the board, any of us. We are so proud of you and so happy to be with you."

Mayor Watras also recognized outgoing Chief Charles Cavarra for his service, joking the last two years must have been "a ball" for him. "Thank you so much for your wonderful service, your insight and fortitude," he said.

Before swearing in Chief Castoro, whom Watras said is a good friend, the mayor noted he was named "Fireman of the Year" in 2002. "As far as I'm concerned he's been fireman of the year, as every one of you have, since 2002." Chief Castoro resides on Hathaway Drive with his wife and three children. He has been a member of the department since 1994.

First Asst. Chief Nadolny is a Garden City High School graduate who joined the ranks in 1995 after serving three-and-a-half years in the junior fire department program. Well versed in CPR and AED, Nadolny was awarded a 2013 American Legion Law and Order Award for administering a life saving shock to a downed Turkey Trot runner at last year's Thanksgiving Day race. Henry Wysocki, the person whose life Nadolny saved, actually presented him with the award earlier this year.

Second Asst. Chief Gallo has been a member of the Garden City Fire Department since 1991. He is a department trainer of Ladder Tower Apparatus 147 and Engine 145. Some of his certifications include NCFSA Ropes Certified, NYS Extrication Certified, Fire Service Methods of Instruction Certified and NYS Aerial Operations Certified. Chief Gallo is also a NYPD police officer.

Third Asst. Chief Strysko has spent 19 years in the fire service, serving 11 in the West Hempstead Fire Department. When he moved to Garden City, he joined the Garden City Fire Department. A New York Institute of Technology graduate, Chief Strysko lives on Meadbrook Road with his wife and two teenage daughters.


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