Briarcliff Manor Welcomes 4 New Firefighters

Max Kaufman finished his sophomore year in high school in June at and now he has another accomplishment under his belt. Kaufman, a volunteer firefighter in Briarcliff Manor, recently completed a 3-week intensive Firefighter 1 course offered by Westchester County’s Fire Training Center. Along with 3 others, Kaufman completed the challenging program, enabling him to become an “interior firefighter” when he turns 18.

Max Levine, 17, said, “Ever since I was little, I’ve always wanted to join the fire service because I wanted to give back to my community.” Levine said the course was fun but academically challenging. “I never gave up. I wouldn’t have made it if it wasn’t for all the instructors that worked tirelessly throughout the three weeks we were there,” he said.

Max Kaufman, also 17 of Briarcliff Manor, said he joined after watching the example his father set as a firefighter. “I grew up with the service in my household, listening to his stories and knowing I would eventually join.” Kaufman said his biggest challenge during the intensive training program was keeping his orientation in a smoked out building.

Also completing the training program was Marc Fink, 52, from Briarcliff Manor, who was not available for comment.

Also 52, Eric Nadler of Briarcliff Manor was one of the oldest of the bunch. Nadler found the class very physically demanding, especially wearing of the SCBA (Self contained Breathing Apparatus).

“The SCBA is heavy and confining and the training requires several operations that require fitness, strength and flexibility. After the first week, and a visit to the hospital, I questioned my motivation and almost quit. Thanks to the encouragement of my Captain, my family and my desire to finish what I started, I returned for the second week and finished the class.”

He said he joined the fire program because, “after working for over 30 years, I now have some time available to me and am using the time to get involved in my community.”

Briarcliff Manor’s Fire Department is very lucky to have these 4 new recruits to their family who will now be able to assist in their lifesaving efforts.

Photo: Left to right: Max Levine, Eric Nadler, Marc Fink, Max Kaufman. Photo credit: Max Levine