East Meadow FD Seeks Volunteer Firefighters/EMTs

As part of the 11th annual RecruitNY statewide initiative, the East Meadow Fire Department will open its doors to area residents so they can learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter or EMT in their community.

The past several years have been challenging for volunteer fire departments across New York State, as many are struggling with decreased membership and increased call volume. Like most volunteer fire departments, the East Meadow FD needs to bolster its ranks to continue to provide the optimum and necessary level of protection for its residents.

On Sunday, April 25, between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., the East Meadow FD will join volunteer fire departments across the New York state at their respective firehouses for a unified recruitment drive. Not only will RecruitNY be an opportunity to highlight the rewards and responsibilities that come with being a volunteer firefighter or EMT, but it will also raise public awareness about the need for volunteers.

Throughout the day, the East Meadow FD will conduct tours of the stations and firefighter/EMS apparatus, allow visitors to try on firefighter/EMS gear, and provide informational opportunities throughout the firehouse for visitors. The fire department will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer and conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the fire departments. The list of firehouses in East Meadow hosting the open house are below:

• Fire Headquarters, 197 East Meadow Avenue, at Front Street, East Meadow
• Station #1, 346 East Meadow Avenue, near Franklin Avenue, East Meadow
• Station #2, East Meadow Avenue & Park Avenue, East Meadow
• Station # 3, North Newbridge & Carnation Roads, Levittown
• Station #4, Carman Avenue & Bob Reed Lane, Westbury (Salisbury)

Last year, more than 600 fire departments across the state held recruitment open houses. The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the sponsor of RecruitNY, plans for an even higher turnout this year.

“All are welcome to join us during RecruitNY,” said James Walsh, Chief of Department, East Meadow Fire Department. “This is an excellent opportunity for people to meet their local volunteer firefighters and EMTs and learn a bit more about the fire and emergency medical service. Volunteer firefighters and EMTs are everyday heroes who dedicate their spare time to helping people in their times of need. We are always looking for new members, and we hope that after seeing the incredible camaraderie of the firehouse up close, more people will be interested in becoming a part of our extraordinary family.”

Over the years, FASNY has worked exceptionally hard to build and deploy a multi-tiered plan for helping New York state’s 1,700-plus volunteer fire departments recruit more than 25,000 new volunteer firefighters across the state by utilizing federal SAFER grant funds for programs including the “Fire in You” advertising campaign, FASNY HELP community college tuition reimbursement program and recruitment training classes.

Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking of FASNY, the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC), 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.

For area residents looking for more information, visit www.JoinEMFD.com. The East Meadow Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency medical services to East Meadow and parts of Levittown and Westbury (Salisbury).

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East Meadow Fire Department Contact: Assistant Chief Paul Kosiba, 516-542-0580