North Bellmore Fire Department hosts first open house with RecruitNY

In an effort to welcome new recruits, the North Bellmore Fire Department held an open house event at its Company #2 on Newbridge Road in Bellmore on April 30. It was the first time the department participated in a larger event known as RecruitNY, a day of open houses and community engagement hosted by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York.

Visitors were welcome to visit participating departments for a tour, an opportunity to try on gear and hear about the rewards of being a volunteer firefighter.

“[RecruitNY] is a concerted effort to bring new blood into the firehouses,” said Brendan Narell, the North Bellmore Fire Department’s assistant chief.

According to Narell, the number of volunteer firefighters has declined statewide in recent years. FASNY began its recruitment event six years ago in order to remain proactive and prevent this from becoming an issue.

Robert Leonard, FASNY’s public relations chairman, said that it is important for departments to not be discouraged if there are only a small number of visitors at their open houses. He added that it is just as important for a community to know that their department needs volunteers.

Narell said that he does not worry about the North Bellmore Fire Department, but wanted to maintain community interest in volunteering by participating in RecruitNY this year. “It’s also an opportunity to show the public what the fire department does and how we work to save tax dollars,” he added.

Narell said that the North Bellmore Fire Department recruitment drive is ongoing and that those interested in volunteering are always welcome to visit the department for a tour.