See What It’s All About

Come Out to the Gertritsen Beach Fire Department & See What It’s All About

The Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department is opening its doors to area residents, so they can learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in their community, as part of a statewide program called Recruit NY. Over the last several years, it has been very tough for many fire departments throughout New York State to recruit and retain volunteers for a variety of reasons. Like most volunteer fire departments, the Gerritsen Beach Fire Department needs to bolster its emergency responder numbers, so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents. Now more than ever, they need more of their neighbors joining their fire department.

On Saturday, April 9^th & Sunday, April 10^th between 12pm – 3pm, the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department located 52 Seba Avenue will join in an initiative with volunteer fire departments all across the state at their respective firehouses for a unified recruitment drive, as part of National Volunteer Week 2011. Not only will Recruit NY be an opportunity to highlight the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter, it will also raise public awareness about the need for volunteers. The hope is that a collaborative effort among volunteer fire departments statewide will turn the declining number of volunteer firefighters around.

“Come on out and join us for this unique recruitment day at our firehouse,” said Doreen Greenwood Assistant Chief.  “This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to observe the tasks of a firefighter and EMT. Our current members love what they do; they are everyday heroes who help neighbors in need. We hope our recruitment day will inspire other area residents to join our fire service family.”

Throughout the day, the Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department will conduct tours of the station and firefighter apparatus, allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide activities and stations throughout the firehouse for visitors to participate in. The fire department will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the fire department.