The Town of Smithtown commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Edward J. Mankuski Firematic Training Center, on October 5. The facility is named in memory of Mankuski, who served as chief of the Kings Park Fire Department. Local elected officials and town officials were on hand to speak before the crowd.
The ceremony began with an invocation by Kings Park Fire Department Chaplain John Trodden. Mankuski’s widow, Jean Dolan, concluded the ceremony as she shared fond memories of life together in Kings Park, and the family’s gratitude for keeping her late husband’s legacy alive.
Mankuski was born in Kings Park on October 1, 1939. A respected contractor by trade, he was also deeply committed to his community as an active volunteer firefighter. Known to his fellow firefighters as a “very popular leader,” Mankuski served three terms as chief of the Kings Park Fire Department and had dedicated eleven years of service to the department at the time of his untimely passing. As chief, the Kings Park Fire Department made significant strides, including the acquisition of their first set of extrication tools, which revolutionized the department’s ability to respond to emergencies.
In addition to his work in the fire service, Mankuski owned and operated Inter-County Cesspool Service Inc. He was also an active member of the Green Hornets drum and bugle corps.
On February 15, 1974, while returning from investigating a false alarm at a recently opened supermarket, Mankuski was tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident.
“We are honored to be here today, 50 years later, at the Edward J. Mankuski Firematic Training Center, which has grown and continues to serve as a cornerstone of fire and emergency response training for more than 15 area fire departments,” said Chief Thomas Lohmann, the town’s director of public safety. “It has evolved to provide advanced live fire simulations, vehicle extrication exercises, and tactical training for both fire departments and law enforcement agencies. Notably, it now serves as a training ground for the Town of Islip Law Enforcement Academy and the New York City Police Department Emergency Services Unit, further cementing its legacy as a vital regional resource.”
Supervisor Ed Wehrheim and state Senator Mario Mattera presented the Mankuski family with proclamations to commemorate the special anniversary. After the ceremony, the center was open for demonstrations, and people had the opportunity to tour of the facility. The program included demonstrations by the St. James Wildcats Drill Team, Hurst (maker of the “Jaws of Life” and other rescue tools), and the following fire departments: Nesconset, Kings Park, Hauppauge, Smithtown, Commack, and Nissequogue.
“In Smithtown, we proudly support our Firefighters and Law Enforcement and will always continue to invest in the Mankuski Firematic Training Center,” Wehrheim said. “This facility plays a critical role in providing the necessary training and resources for our brave first responders and law enforcement professionals. It is a fitting tribute to Chief Edward Mankuski, whose dedication to service lives on in the ongoing training of those who risk their lives for our friends, families and neighbors.”