James Fehling has dedicated over 35 years to the fire service. He began at 18 with the Wantagh Fire Department, later serving in Levittown and Sound Beach before joining the FDNY, where he spent nearly 20 years in companies including Ladder 112 in Brooklyn and Engine 260/Foam 260 in Long Island City. His career was marked by responding to the Father’s Day Fire and 9/11, where he lost his brother, Lee, of E235. After retiring due to injury, James continued his commitment to service, joining the Miller Place Fire Department, where he now serves as chief driver. Beyond the firehouse, he is the committee chair for Boy Scout Troop 204 and a volunteer puppy raiser with the Guide Dog Foundation. Service and community remain at the heart of his family’s life.