Sounding the Alarm for Volunteers

The Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department was out in full force Sunday afternoon, as they participated in a statewide recruiting campaign for volunteer firefighters.

Attendees were rapt with attention during the 45-minute long extrication drill at the Columbia firehouse on North Barry Avenue, getting an up-close view of the Hurst tools—better known as the “Jaws of Life”—in action.

In addition to the demonstration, door prizes of smoke detectors and gift certificates were handed out, courtesy of AAA Emergency Supply Co. Inc., Applebee's, Brewer's Hardware Store and the Ladies Auxiliary of the VMFD.

Despite the draw of an interested crowd, however, the event only resulted in one potential adult recruit, as well as four youths interested in the Explorers Post program.

While past Fire Chief Rob Deshensky, chairman of the recruitment committee, expressed disappointment in the turnout, he felt it was overstated to say the need for new recruits was urgent. “But, there is always a need for new members,” he said.

“We are the only all-volunteer fire department in our area—the nearest ones are Purchase and West Harrison,” Deshensky continued. “With mutual aid from surrounding fire departments, we can safely cover Mamaroneck now.” But what will happen in the future?

At issue is the aging out of seasoned veterans, coupled with the inability of a younger generation of fire department members to afford to live here.

“Our firefighters are residents, so the cost of living in this area is a big factor,” Deshensky stated. “We are losing the younger guys with the most experience who are moving away, and the older guys with the experience are not as physically fit.”

The Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department currently has a total of 260 members; of those, approximately 80 to 100 are active members to cover the fire calls. The annual call volume is nearing 800 alarms.

Deshensky readily admits that being a volunteer firefighter is a big commitment. 90 hours of classroom instruction and physical training are required to obtain certification as an interior firefighter. This usually can be accomplished over a three-month period, with two nights a week plus four to five all-day Saturday training sessions.

Once certified, there is a commitment of three nights per month— one meeting night, one drill night and one truck cleaning/equipment maintenance night, in addition to showing up at fires. “Everyone under 20 years of experience is required to attend these three meetings, as well as come to calls if available,” Deshensky said.

With the obvious benefit of serving your community in such a meaningful and impactful way—the opportunity to save the lives or property of your neighbors, family and friends—Deshensky noted the added reward of developing lifelong friendships.

“You literally trust each other with your lives, so you really bond with your fellow firefighters,” he said. “And we are very family-oriented, organizing picnics and holiday parties.”

While the need for new recruits may not be immediate, Deshensky questions what will happen in the next decade if the tide doesn’t turn. Without new volunteers now to gain experience, the time may come when the Village of Mamaroneck will have to have a paid fire department. That potentially could mean higher taxes for a community already bearing such a heavy tax burden.

For more information, contact Rob Deshensky at: recruitment@vmfd.org