RVCFD HOSTS RECRUIT NY OPEN HOUSE

FIRST-EVER STATEWIDE UNIFIED FIREFIGHTER RECRUITMENT DAY TO BE HELD ON APRIL 9^th, 2011

 Come Out to the Rockville Centre Fire Department & See What It’s All About

 The Rockville Centre Fire Department is opening its doors to area residents, so they can learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in their community, as part of a statewide program called Recruit NY. Over the last several years, it has been very tough for many fire departments throughout New York State to recruit and retain volunteers for a variety of reasons. Like most volunteer fire departments, the Rockville Centre Fire Department needs to bolster its emergency responder numbers, so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents. Now more than ever, they need more of their neighbors joining their fire department.

 On Saturday, April 9^th between 11 AM and 2 PM at the firehouse at Maple and Morris Avenues, the Rockville Centre Fire Department will join in an initiative with volunteer fire departments all across the state at their respective firehouses for a unified recruitment drive, as part of National Volunteer Week 2011. Not only will Recruit NY be an opportunity to highlight the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter or fire medic, it will also raise public awareness about the need for volunteers. The hope is that a collaborative effort among volunteer fire departments statewide will turn the declining number of volunteer firefighters around.

  “Come on out and join us for this unique recruitment day at our firehouse,” said Chief Mark Murray.  “This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to observe the exciting tasks of being a firefighter or fire medic. Our current members love what they do; they are everyday heroes who help neighbors in need. We hope our recruitment day will inspire other area residents to join our fire service family.”

 Throughout the event, the Rockville Centre Fire Department will conduct tours of the firehouse and firefighter apparatus, allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide activities and stations throughout the firehouse for visitors to participate. The fire department will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the fire department.

  Volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel do important and challenging work for the pure satisfaction of helping others. They are essential for a number of reasons, including the fact that volunteers live in the communities in which they serve which enhances response times, and they save taxpayers millions of dollars every year.

 The Rockville Centre Fire Department protects approximately 26,000 residents living in the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre, as well as assisting its neighboring communities when they need assistance.  The Department consists of 320 men and women that belong to 7 fire companies - one ladder company, 5 engine companies and a rescue company.  In the past several years, the department membership has declined by almost 10 percent, but the number of alarms has increased by 70 percent.  According to the Department’s Constitution, it has a capacity for 420 members, so it is currently 100 volunteers below full strength.  The Rockville Centre Fire Department responded to over 2,200 alarms in 2010.

 The members range in age from 18 to 88 and they come from all walks of life – students, homemakers, doctors, lawyers, educators, accountants, plumbers, electricians, civil servants, etc.; people just like you.  Many of them coach sports, actively participate in their churches or synagogues and perform other community services right in Rockville Centre.  The Department is currently developing a Junior Firefighter program to create an interest among the village’s youth, ages 13 to 17, to learn about what it takes to be a member of the fire department. 

All residents are invited to visit the Maple & Morris firehouse in Rockville Centre on April 9^th to investigate joining the fire department, or just to come down and see what your neighborhood firehouse is all about.  There will be demonstrations, activities to participate in, refreshments and giveaways for all.  If you have ten minutes or 2 hours to spare, stop by and meet your neighbors who protect you, as volunteer firefighters and fire medics.

 The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) worked in conjunction with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, Association of Fire Districts of New York State, Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York, and County Fire Coordinators Association of the State of New York to make this program possible.

MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA:  If you are interested in previewing this statewide unified recruitment drive prior to the event, or would like to attend the event itself, please contact Thomas Nofi, 516-203-3518