Oceanside McDonald's Runs Recruitment Drive For Local Fire Department

OCEANSIDE, NY — One area McDonald's restaurant owner is helping a mainstay in the community.

Paul Hendel, owner and operator of the franchise on Atlantic Avenue in Oceanside, is running a recruitment drive for the volunteer Oceanside Fire Department (OFD).

Hendel created a tray liner with the title "Make a difference in Oceanside! Help impact your community."

Below the burgers and fries customers find bullet points listing what the job offers, along with a link and QR code to apply. For those taking the food on the go, Hendel is lining the drive-thru with signs about the fire department's needs.

"We are always looking for different avenues to connect with the community because we want to be part of the community," Hendel told Patch.

Hendel started this initiative last month.

"We have enough tray liners and we'll keep the signage up for at least 90 days," he said.

Should the department seek an extension, Hendel said he'd be happy to continue the drive into the winter, "if they feel it's working well for them."

For now, he hasn't received any data from the department about recruitment since the partnership with Hendel and McDonald's.

"They really diversified their search and that shows in the display of the placemats," Hendel said. "I think they dug a little deeper and they're looking to change the way that they're recruiting."

Chief of the Department Charles Daskalakis said: “We are always looking for men and women to help serve the community in our organization. Anyone who lives in Oceanside, or even the bordering towns, can apply as long as they meet the age requirements (18-45) and pass the physical."

Hendel owns 31 "Golden Arches," including two other Long Island locations in Valley Stream and Rockville Centre.

Those interested in exploring opportunities with the OFD are encouraged to call 516-766-0245 or scan the barcode.