The Board of Fire Commissioners, Chiefs Office, officers and members of the Wantagh Fire Department regret to announce the passing of Department Chaplain, Ex-Captain John Kwasnik of Fire Police, formerly of Ladder 2. Kwasnik was a 42-year member of the Wantagh Fire Department, joining in 1978. He served as part of Rescue 2 out of Station 2 before transferring to Ladder 2 in 1990. In 1994, Kwasnik transferred to Fire Police and served as lieutenant from 2005-06 and captain from 2006-08. He was elected as Sgt-at-Arms in 2009 and served as a delegate for the Southern New York Firefighter’s Association and 6th Battalion. Kwasnik was Sgt-At-Arms of Wantagh Volunteer Fire Company #2 and a past President of the Volunteer and Exempt Fireman’s Benevolent Association of Wantagh, where he was concurrently serving as Corresponding Secretary. In addition, Kwasnik was employed part time by the Wantagh Fire District since 2005.
Kwasnik was the beloved husband of Jacqueline, loving father of eight and cherished grandfather of eight. He was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps and a retired New York City police officer. He also worked after his time in the police department at Sperry Corporation. He was a true gentleman and everyone enjoyed his friendship.
Fire Department Services were held at the O’Shea Funeral Home on Wantagh Ave on Monday, July 5. Members saluted him one final time as he passed by Wantagh Station 2 under a Flag Arch by Ladders 1 and 2 en route to his place of rest at St. Charles Cemetery on Wellwood Ave. in East Farmingdale.
At a prayer service a few years back, Kwasnik stated: “The nicest place to be is in someone’s thoughts. The safest place to be is in someone’s prayers, but the best place to be is in God’s Hands.” John Kwasnik is assuredly in God’s hands and he will be missed.
—Submitted by the Wantagh Fire Department
