Purchase FD Open House Will Offer An Insider's View Of Heroes At Work

PURCHASE, NY — Whether they admit it or not, nearly everybody once had dreams of being a firefighter when they grew up. Now, those of us who aren't living that dream will have a chance to see what we're missing in-person and we might just find out it's not too late to make childhood dreams come true.

The Purchase Fire Department will be holding its annual Open House this Saturday at its headquarters, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

It will be part of a statewide recruitment campaign, sponsored by the Fireman's Association of the State of New York (FASNY), to recruit volunteer firefighters from nearby communities.

The Open House will also be a great chance for local residents and families to visit and learn about their local fire department. Firefighters will be giving tours of the firehouse/apparatus and provide valuable fire safety tips. There will also be hands-on demonstrations of fire department operations and equipment. The Purchase Fire Department members said they are looking forward to the opportunity to meet their neighbors and answer any questions.

Refreshments will be provided. If there is one thing firefighters are known for, other than uncommon bravery, it's knowing their way around a kitchen.

The Purchase Fire Department is a 100 percent volunteer, non-profit organization. Its members are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. In 2021, the department responded to 723 incidents, even more than the 576 incidents the previous year.

Volunteer firefighters donate thousands of man-hours training and protecting the community from tragedy. Because of the PFD's close proximity to one of the busiest interstate highways in the U.S., crews are as likely to rescue someone just passing through at 65 mph.

The Purchase Fire Department is located at 614 Anderson Hill Rd.