Long Island, NY - August 13, 2018 - Lifelong Oceanside resident and veteran Oceanside Fire Department volunteer Steven E. Klein was sworn in yesterday as President of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) at the association’s 146th annual convention in Syracuse, NY. In his new role, Klein will lead the statewide organization, responsible for supporting and advocating for the 105,000 men and women who make up New York State’s volunteer fire service.
“After more than 50 years in the fire service, it is an incredible honor to be elected President of FASNY,” said Klein. “In my new role, I will continue to stand with and lead the State’s volunteer fire service, and one of my primary objectives will be to increase the number of volunteer firefighters across New York. One way to do this is through the training and recruitment of our young citizens and promotion of youth fire programs across the State. I would like to see additional attention and funding spent on recruitment, youth groups and junior firefighter training programs to secure the safety and wellness of the residents of New York for generations to come.”
Klein’s focus on youth training and programs hits close to home. His joining the volunteer fire service started a family legacy that now runs three generations deep. Klein’s son Kevin is currently serving his second stint as Chief of the Oceanside Fire Department, and his grandson Christopher is a new, probationary member of the Department.
Klein first joined the Oceanside Fire Department in 1965, quickly becoming deeply involved in all aspects of the organization. He has since served in a wide variety of administrative and line officer positions, including a term as Chief of Department in 1984.
Shortly after joining Oceanside Fire Department, Klein began dedicating much of his time to advocating for and supporting volunteer firefighters, both at the regional and the State level. He is a past president of the Fire Chiefs’ Council of Nassau County and the Nassau County Firemen’s Association. He has served on the Nassau County Fire Commission and is a past chairman of the 2nd Battalion Fire District.
Klein joined FASNY in the late 1960’s and was appointed to the Fire Prevention (now the Fire Prevention and Life Safety) Committee. In 2002, Steve was elected Trustee of the Firemen’s Home, and was reelected in 2007, serving until 2012. His time on the Board of Trustees included seven years as Secretary. Klein has also been a director of the FASNY Foundation since 2003 and has served as president of the Foundation board.
In 2014, Klein was elected to the FASNY leadership, assuming the role of 2nd Vice President. Two years later, in 2016, he was elected 1st Vice President.
Klein is retired from the United States Postal Service. He is a graduate of Oceanside Senior High School and SUNY Farmingdale and still resides on Long Island with his family. He has two children and three grandchildren.
About FASNY
Founded in 1872, the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) represents the interests of 105,000 volunteer firefighters and emergency medical personnel in New York State. For more information, visit www.fasny.com.