Celebrating Women of Distinction

Every year the New York State Senate hosts a Women of Distinction celebration to showcase and honor outstanding women throughout the state whose contributions have greatly enriched the quality of life in their communities and beyond.

This year, my honoree from the 4th Senatorial District is Mrs. Christine Manzi, Chief of the West Babylon Fire Department and Elementary School Teacher for the West Babylon School District. Christine is truly a dedicated member of her community, and her exemplary life-long achievements details just how much pride she takes in protecting and giving back to those in her community.

From an early age, it was obvious that Mrs. Manzi had a passion for leadership and public service. In August of 1992, at the age of 14, she joined the West Babylon Junior Fire Department. During her years as a Junior Firefighter, Christine rose through the ranks of Lieutenant and Captain.

In 1995, Christine was indoctrinated as a Probationary Firefighter into West Babylon’s Rendezvous Truck Company No. 4. What was so significant about her appointment was that there were very few female Firefighters at that time. Even more significant is that within her first year, Christine completed her probationary firefighter requirements and also was certified as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Christine achieved all of these accomplishments during her senior year of High School!

Mrs. Manzi has always taken great pride in her education. She holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Education and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Elementary Education from Dowling College. Throughout her academic career, Christine continued to educate herself by taking various firefighting courses and continued as an active Firefighter – responding to calls and keeping up with mandatory training.

In December of 2001, Christine was elected to the rank of Lieutenant within her Fire Company. This was a momentous occasion as there had never before been a woman to hold that position within the West Babylon Fire Department. After two years as Lieutenant, Christine was elected to Captain in December of 2003 – marking yet another milestone, respectively, for both Christine and the West Babylon Fire Department. During her early years as a Firefighter, Mrs. Manzi also started working full-time as an Elementary School Teacher for the West Babylon School District.

Since becoming a Firefighter, Christine had the unwavering goal of one day becoming Chief. Knowing this would be a difficult, if not an almost impossible endeavor – as she has stated – Christine set out on her journey to become Chief. In 2009, she was elected to the position of 3rd Assistant Chief continuing on her noteworthy career of ‘firsts’ as this position had also never held by a woman. For the next six years after that, Christine further climbed the ranks, serving as 3rd Assistant, 2nd Assistant, and 1st Assistant Chief. 

In December of 2015, Mrs. Manzi was nominated as Chief of the West Babylon Fire Department. Taking office the following January, Christine once again made history for both West Babylon and the Town of Babylon becoming the first woman to hold the rank of Chief of Department!

Currently, in addition to being Chief of the West Babylon Fire Department, Mrs. Manzi continues to teach Elementary School at the West Babylon School District and coaches Junior Varsity Field Hockey. She continues to further her education with classes and seminars for both her firefighting and teaching careers.

Out of all Mrs. Manzi’s accolades and achievements during her career, the most important job she says she has is being a mother. Christine and her husband, John, have two young boys.