New Fire, EMS Chiefs Begin Terms

New and chiefs were recently elected to serve two-year terms beginning Jan. 1, according to officials.

“Pretty much all the chiefs moved up to the position above them,” said newly-minted Glen Cove Chief of EMS , former First Assistant Chief, who was also among those who “moved up” in the ranks.

The new slate of department officers for 2012-2013 are as follows:

City of Glen Cove Fire Department

• Rodni Leftwich, 5200: Chief of Department
• Joseph Solomito, 5201: First Assistant Chief
• Philip Grella, 5202: Second Assistant Chief
• Robert Marino, 5203: Third Assistant Chief
• William Basdavanos: Corresponding Secretary
• Thomas Kenary: Recording Secretary
• Gilbert Tanaka: Treasurer 

City of Glen Cove EMS

• Matthew Venturino, 52800: Chief of EMS
• James Jones, 52801: First Assistant Chief
• Georgina D'Ambrini, 52802: Second Assistant Chief

The Glen Cove Fire Department holds elections every two years, in conjunction with the , said former Chief of Department . They are held at the firehouse on the second Friday in December, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m., and only active, non-life members are allowed to vote.

“We use a paper ballot furnished by the department that lists all of the candidates and the office for which they are seeking,” he said. “There is also room for a write-in candidate for each office on the ballot.”

Although the department elections are for members only, candidates are allowed to campaign.

“The ‘campaign season’ can start at any time a person feels that he wants to ‘make a run’ for a position,” said Tripp. “Normally, it is for the position of Third Assistant Chief.”

This past election was an “unusual” one for the department, according to Tripp, as fierce competition developed for the positions of Chief of Department, Third Assistant Chief and Recording Secretary, which is generally unlikely.

"Normally, if a member gets elected to the Third Assistant position, and does a good job, he will not be challenged for a higher office that he seeks,” he said.

Tripp’s term expired on Dec. 31 after serving in the Chiefs' office for 14 years. He was Recording Secretary for six years prior to being elected Third Assistant Chief.

“I am looking forward to getting back into the ‘ranks’ again, giving words of wisdom that only an Ex Chief can give,” he said. “No matter how old or young you are, it is always exciting to ride on a fire truck; it's one of those things in life that you only dream about from a very young age.”

Tripp plans to stay active in the firehouse - as well as - and spend more time at home with his wife and children.