New Ownership. Shared Values. The Same Commitment to the Fire and EMS Community.
Emergency DECON Services (EDS) and RedLine NY are entering a new chapter as founders Rich Gross and Tom Riedel prepare for retirement and Stephen Marsar assumes ownership and leadership of the businesses.
The transition represents a continuation of the firefighter-first mission that has guided EDS and RedLine NY, with a renewed commitment to expanding the resources and capabilities available to fire departments and emergency service agencies throughout Long Island and the greater New York region.
Built on Trust. Continuing with Confidence.
When Rich and Tom began considering retirement, finding the right person to carry forward what they had built was a priority. Their goal was to ensure that the relationships, trust, and dedication to firefighter health and safety that have defined the businesses would continue under leadership that shared their values.
They found that commitment in Steve Marsar.
A recently retired FDNY Battalion Chief, former Chief and Fire Commissioner of the Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department, and longtime fire and EMS service educator, Steve brings nearly four decades of experience and a firsthand understanding of the challenges facing today’s firefighters.
Steve also operates a RedLine Mobile Gear Cleaning franchise in Texas, bringing direct experience in professional turnout gear cleaning, inspection, and firefighter exposure-reduction services.
A Shared Commitment to the Fire Service
“I’m honored to build upon what Rich and Tom have established. My commitment is to continue earning your trust through the same dependable service and personal attention, while investing and expanding the resources and capabilities that will support your department in the years ahead.”
— Stephen Marsar
To ensure a seamless transition, Rich and Tom will remain actively involved through the end of 2026, working alongside Steve and the team to maintain continuity in customer relationships, operations, and service delivery.
For existing customers, the message is straightforward: the dependable service, responsiveness, and commitment to firefighter health and safety they have come to expect will continue.
Looking Ahead
Under Steve’s leadership, RedLine NY will continue providing professional on-site firefighter and EMS gear cleaning and inspection services, with plans to expand mobile capabilities and introduce gear repair services.
EDS will continue its focus on ambulance and apparatus decontamination services, decontamination products, and firefighter health and safety education.
Together, EDS and RedLine NY remain dedicated to helping departments reduce unnecessary occupational exposures while supporting the long-term health and safety of firefighters and first responders.
Continuing the Mission
The foundation established by Rich and Tom has been built on strong relationships, professional service, and a shared understanding of the risks faced by those who serve.
As EDS and RedLine NY move forward under Steve’s leadership, those values will continue to guide the businesses, along with a commitment to innovation, expanded capabilities, and the needs of the fire and EMS communities.
The mission remains unchanged: Protecting the Protectors.
For more information:
Stephen Marsar | 631-563-2744 | smarsar@eds-ny.com
