N. Massapequa has first female fire captain

The North Massapequa Fire Department has elected a female captain for the first time in its 77-year history.

Deborah Nocerino, a volunteer since 2002, was sworn in April 21 to lead Ladder Company 1. She is one of seven women in the 97-member, three-company department.

“She’s proven herself,” said Fire Chief Stephen Shirreffs. “The department feels she’s earned it.”

Nocerino, 27, is a trained hazardous-materials technician and belongs to the department’s “Gremlins” drill team, which competes in area tournaments and marches in local parades. Her father, Frank Nocerino, is a past chief and now serves as a fire district commissioner.