The West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department has a new chief in charge.
Joseph M. Vasquezaldana has been a part of the department, located in Howard Beach, as a volunteer since 2004 and has recently become its new boss.
Vasquezaldana’s father, Joseph, who now lives in Florida, is a 27-year member of the West Hamilton department and was previously a chief at the station. His father was also the one to install Vasquezaldana into office.
The new head of the department said his biggest accomplishment is being a second-generation chief.
“We are the first father and son chiefs performing within the department,” said Vasquezaldana.
When the previous head stepped down, Vasquezaldana, 26, was up for the position through an elective process where one must climb the ranks in order to be considered.
Vasquezaldana spent most of his childhood and free time in the fire station while growing up.
“I was pretty much raised there,” said Vasquezaldana.
For that reason, his father was assured that the day would come when his son would follow in his footsteps.
When asked if his father was surprised to find out that he also became involved with the fire station, Vasquezaldana said, “He was proud, but he kind of knew it was coming.”
The department has two fire trucks with a total of 35 qualified members. Coverage includes Jamaica Bay, the Belt Parkway, and all of the Howard Beach area. The department also responds to calls from John F. Kennedy airport for major emergencies.
In the month of January alone, the station responded to 11 fires and 19 emergency medical service (EMS) calls.
Vasquezaldana grew up in the West Hamilton area, but now lives in Ozone Park with his wife of five years, Ambar, and his two children, Ryan, 4, and Sean, 3. As the next generation in line, Vasquezaldana said he would love if his two sons followed the path that both his father and grandfather set out.
He mentioned that his boys are already interested in what goes on at the fire station.
“They ask about it all the time… when I have a chance, I take them with me.”
