Rockville Centre FD open house draws new recruits

Despite a light turnout, a spokesman for the Rockville Centre Fire Department described its open house on April 9 as a “huge success,” attracting nearly a dozen people interested in volunteering. At least half of them started the membership process, visiting different Rockville Centre firehouses on Sunday morning. A few youngsters also expressed an interest in the Junior Fire Department program that is currently being developed for 13-to-17-year-olds to introduce them to the fire service.

Visitors to the open house had an opportunity to chat with firefighters, view the apparatus and equipment, try on firefighting gear and watch demonstrations. The Floodlight Rescue Company demonstrated how they could free someone trapped inside a car by using the Jaws of Life tool, and the Eureka Hook & Ladder company demonstrated the art of rapelling off the side of a building — a technique used if someone is trapped on an upper floor and cannot be reached by a ladder. There were also videos of past fires, free raffles for gift items and hot dogs, snacks and soft drinks.

To become a member of the fire department as a firefighter or fire medic, one must be 18 years of age, in good health and live in Rockville Centre or any adjacent community — Oceanside, Baldwin, Hempstead, Lakeview, East Rockaway or Lynbrook.  The benefits available to all members, in addition to helping their community, include a defined benefit pension plan, a 10 percent property tax reduction, free college tuition to Nassau Community College and many scholarships to which members and their children are eligible to apply because of their fire department affiliation. Members also receive free training, uniforms, turnout gear and equipment and are eligible to participate in many social functions with their families.

The spokesman added that recruitment does not stop because the open house is over. The fire department has an open enrollment policy; you don’t have to be related to a member to join. Any resident interested in joining the fire department can volunteer as a firefighter (who responds to all fire department calls) or fire medic (EMS calls only). High school students who are 17 are encouraged to come down to any firehouse a few months before their next birthday to learn about joining as soon as they turn 18.

Anyone interested can stop by any of the five firehouses on a Sunday morning after 9:30 a.m. The firehouses are located at 39 S. Centre Ave., 58 N. Centre Ave., 103 Maple Ave., 20 Driscoll Ave. and 137 North Forest Ave. The choice of firehouses is a personal one and the department encourages residents to start with the one closest to their home and then visit the others to find the company that is the best fit for them. Fire Department members will be on hand to greet interested residents and answer any questions they may have. Interested residents can also call (516) 678-9254 and speak with the department secretary or leave a message for a call-back from one of the department’s recruiters.