John Donald, a member of Rescue Hook, Ladder & Bucket Company #1, better known as Truck Company, was elected Chief of the Lynbrook Fire Department by the department membership on April 8, 2021.  He follows in a family tradition in the fire service. 

Donald joined the Lynbrook Fire Department, in November of 2003 after serving on active duty in the United States Marine Corps for 7 1/2 years.  He joined the Marines in 1996 and served stateside, and was deployed to Okinawa, Japan.  He was also a Primary Marksmanship Instructor with Weapons and Field Training Battalion at Parris Island, SC.

Donald was first elected Second Lieutenant of Truck Company in April of 2008 and served through the ranks, completing his term as Captain in April of 2014.  He was then elected to Third Assistant Chief in 2018 and rose to Second Assistant Chief and First Assistant Chief over the past two years. 

Chief Donald will officially take the helm of the Lynbrook Fire Department on April 20 when he and the other assistant chiefs are sworn into office by Lynbrook mayor Alan Beach at a ceremony during the department’s Council Meeting at Lynbrook Fire Headquarters.   

Chief Donald continues a long family tradition in the fire service and in the chief’s office.  The Chief’s father, Lynbrook Ex-Chief William Donald Jr. was chief of the LFD from 1989 to 1990.  And, the Chief’s grandfather, Ex-Chief William Donald was chief of the Inwood Fire Department from 1935 to 1936. 

Chief Donald is employed as a Corporal at the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department since 2008.  Chief Donald is married to ToniAnn his wife of 23 years and they have 2 daughters Danielle and Giana. 

Also elected on April 8^th and to be sworn in on April 20^th, will be First Assistant Chief Chris Kelly, Second Assistant Chief Danny Ambrosio and the newest chief, Third Assistant Chief Scott Bien.  Scott Bien’s grandfather, Ex-Chief Ralph Bien, was Chief of Department from 1974 to 1975.  In fact, Scott was elected exactly 50 years to the day his grandfather was elected to the same position. 

Chief Donald said, “I thank my family for their continual support.  And I commit my unwavering support to all the members of the Lynbrook Fire Department and the residents of the Village of Lynbrook.”