Golden's Bridge Fire Department Participating in RecruitNY

GOLDENS BRIDGE, NY — When the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department opens its fire truck bays to local residents this weekend as part of a statewide volunteer firefighter recruitment initiative, members won’t have to exaggerate about the exhilaration and gratification — and sometimes the heartbreak — of being a volunteer firefighter. Since the start of 2019, the GBFD has answered the call of major emergencies that received significant media coverage: including drowning victims at the Muscoot Reservoir, three significant residential fires, a brush fire that scorched 12 acres of wetlands, two hazardous materials spills and dangerous road conditions due to downed power lines.

“We will be relating first-hand experiences, not hypothetical scenarios, to prospective new members,” said Fire Chief James McManus.

Golden’s Bridge residents from ages 16 and up with interest in becoming a member of the fire department can drop by the firehouse on Route 138 between noon and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28, where members will be on hand to provide information and hands-on tours and tutorials of trucks, equipment and gear.

It's all part of RecruitNY, the annual statewide recruitment initiative to raise awareness of the need for volunteer firefighters and bolster the ranks of volunteer fire departments across New York State. Members will provide insight about the virtues, requirements and benefits of being a volunteer firefighter. Recruitment weekend is April 27 and 28 statewide.

“Being a volunteer firefighter is one of the most meaningful and rewarding public service opportunities in our Golden’s Bridge community,” McManus said. “As a volunteer firefighter, you have a direct impact on the safety, well-being and protection of your neighbors, friends, family and often complete strangers — and there’s nothing more gratifying than saving a life or someone’s home and belongings, or just being there for someone in their greatest time of need, on one of the worst days of their life.”

The GBFD is usually first on the scene of all emergency 911 calls, responding to fires, vehicle accidents, downed power lines and trees, carbon monoxide alarms, medical and all other types of emergencies — including those on the reservoirs and area’s abundance of lakes, the local interstate and commuter rail station, McManus said.

“The service area of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department is somewhat unique and challenging because within our boundaries are I-684, Metro North Railroad, New York City’s reservoir system, a lake community, several institutions including a church and two schools, a shopping center, a sprawling auto dealership complex, and many difficult to navigate local roads,” he said.

“We’re hoping that hearing the real-life experiences and stories of volunteer members, trying on the gear, and getting a close-up look at the high-tech apparatus and equipment, inspires visitors to become part of the GBFD family,” McManus said.

In addition to receiving free firefighter training at the Westchester County Fire Training Center, the department conducts training sessions throughout the year in various emergency response, such as rope bailout, ice and water rescue, vehicle extrication, propane and brush fires, and many others.

Recruitment and retention is vital to the GBFD, as it is to all volunteer fire departments, in order to maintain the high level of fire and emergency service and protection for community residents and businesses.

“We are always seeking men and women dedicated to making a difference in the community. You won’t find a more meaningful way than being a volunteer with the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department,” McManus said.

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