Mamaroneck Town Fire Department Needs a Few Good Men (or Women)

Heroic in their actions and quick to act in an emergency, firefighters often risk their lives to help others as part of a tight-knit department of selfless and community-minded individuals. 

This Saturday, April 21, the (TMFD) will be hosting a volunteer recruitment event in conjunction with RecruitNY—an event coordinated by the Fireman’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY)—from noon-3 p.m. at the Weaver Street Firehouse.

Currently, the TMFD has 90 members of varying skill levels, from those that fight fires to others that operate on a special rescue squad called Firefighter Assist and Search Team (FAST) that helps rescue other firefighters in distress, said Angelo Mancino, a member of the TMFD and recruitment chair for the event.  Still others only operate in an administrative capacity, he said.

“There are many roles available,” said Mancino.

Some of the activities planned for the day include learning how to use the fire hose line to seeing how a thermal imaging camera (TIC)—used by firefighters to see heated areas through smoke or darkness—works, hands-on use of a water can extinguisher, instructions on how to use personal protective gear and radio communications and trying on "good ol' smoky gear." The minimum age for volunteers is 14.

But it’s not just the hero factor that drives people to become volunteer firefighters.  What is the most rewarding aspect?

“One, giving back to the community when it really needs you—like during an auto accident, major storm or even to show up at your home to ensure that your alarm is just a false alarm.  Two, being part of a long history and tradition,” said Mancino.

“That stuff about ‘brotherhood’—well, it’s true!”

RecruitNY is a joint undertaking by FASNY, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the Association of Fire Districts of New York State, the Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York and County Fire Coordinators Association of the State of New York. Established in 2011, RecruitNY provides fire departments with recruitment resources and communication tools.

For more information please contact the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department at 914-834-2192 or visit the website here.