RVC Junior FD host annual car wash

The Rockville Centre Junior Fire Department held its annual car wash on August 29; their first since before the pandemic. 2021 marks the tenth anniversary of the junior department, which consists of boys and girls from ages 13 to 17.

“We do a lot of hands-on training in terms of hose stretching, forceable entry, and we have a trailer where they get equipment training,” Reliance Hose Company No. 3 Ex-Captain Mike Blackford said.

Blackford said that the funds raised from the car wash go into company training, as many of the 30 junior department members strive to move up into the main department when they turn 18.

Luke Trencheny, Captain of the RVCJFD, is a four-year veteran of the department, and leads its monthly meetings and drills. Trencheny intends to join Woodland Engine Company No. 4 when he turns 18.

“They took me in like one of their own before I was even in their department,” Trencheny said. “It’s truly just a big family around here.” Trencheny has been invested in the department since he was a two-years-old, when his uncle and Ex-Captain at Reliance John Thorp took him around the village on the truck.

Ryan Castle, 2nd Lieutenant of the RVCJFD, has been a member for the last three years and was also inspired by a family member to join. Castle had an uncle in the Cold Spring Harbor Fire Department. Castle intends to join many of his friends at Reliance Hose Company No. 3 when he turns 18.

“It’s good experience, so you know what you’re doing when you turn 18 and get into the fire department,” Castle said.