Elmont F.D. hosts day for future firefighters

As part of a statewide program, Recruit NY, the Elmont Volunteer Fire Department, at 95 Lehrer Ave. in Elmont, opened its doors to area residents on Sunday, April 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event focused on educating local residents about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter or emergency medical technician. Volunteer firefighter recruitment has become difficult for many Nassau County fire departments over the past several years, and the Elmont Fire Department is no exception. The department’s 170 members respond to approximately 2,000 emergency calls per year, and the department covers both Elmont and North Valley Stream.

Throughout the day, the department conducted tours of firefighting equipment, allowed visitors to try on turnout gear, and provided information about the functions of the various units in the department. Department members discussed the requirements to be a volunteer, conducted demonstrations and answered questions. Elmont Fire Chief James Prince said the event was a great opportunity for the department’s neighbors to observe firefighters’ and Emergency Medical Technicians’ regular tasks.

“Our current members love what they do; they are everyday heroes who help neighbors in need,” Prince said. “We hope our recruitment day will inspire other area residents to join our fire service family.”

The Firemen’s Association of the State of New York worked in conjunction with the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs, the Association of Fire Districts of New York State, the Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York, and the County Fire Coordinators Association of the State of New York to make the firefighter recruitment day possible.