Smithtown honors 50 years of fire training center

The Town of Smithtown earlier this month commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Edward J. Mankuski Firematic Training Center.

The center, named in honor of the late Kings Park Fire Department Chief Edward Mankuski, was originally dedicated on October 6, 1974. 

The ceremony, attended by local officials, firefighters and Mankuski’s family, celebrated the lasting impact of the facility, which has trained generations of first responders in the region.

The event began with an invocation by Kings Park Fire Department Chaplain John Trodden. Chief Mankuski’s widow, Jean Dolan, gave emotional closing remarks, reflecting on her late husband’s legacy and the family’s gratitude for the continued remembrance of his service.

Attendees enjoyed a series of live demonstrations, including a car fire simulation, aerial ladder operations and rescue tool demonstrations by local fire departments.

The training facility has grown over the past five decades to become a vital hub for fire and emergency response training. It now serves more than 15 fire departments and law enforcement agencies, offering advanced live fire simulations, vehicle extrication exercises and tactical training. The center is also used by the Town of Islip Law Enforcement Academy and the New York City Police Department Emergency Services Unit.

“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, director of the Smithtown Department of Public Safety, in a statement.

Following the ceremony, Supervisor Wehrheim and Senator Mario Mattera presented the Mankuski family with proclamations to mark the anniversary.