| Q: |
Why are Volunteer Firefighters needed? |
| A: |
In an emergency, trained people are needed to responed to calls. Volunteer Firefighters represent the second line of defense by responding to emergencies that occur in our community. Our Volunteer Firefighters donate their time, train to a high standard and participate in all aspects of Department functions. |
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| Q: |
What does a Volunteer Firefighter do? |
| A: |
Our Volunteers do everything career Firefighters do: respond to fires, traffic accidents and medical emergencies. |
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| Q: |
What are the requirements to become a Volunteer Firefighter? |
| A: |
Being a Volunteer Firefighter is an extremely rewarding experience. Firefighters make a difference in the community by coming to the aid of people in times of greatest need. Life and death is often in the balance. Halesite Volunteer Firefighters have and will continue to positively impact the well being of all people in this community.
Minimum Requirements
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Possess a valid NY drivers license
- Pass a physical including drug test
- Live within a reasonable distance to the Halesite Fire Department |
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| Q: |
How much will it cost me? |
| A: |
Nothing. Halesite Fire Department pays for all the training and equipment. |
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| Q: |
How will I know what to do as a Volunteer? |
| A: |
Training is provided by the Halesite Fire Department over an 18 month period of time. In addition, ongoing training occurs monthly. |
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| Q: |
How much time will I have to commit? |
| A: |
The time you commit responding to calls and training is up to you, however, the more you are involved in the program the better the outcome will be for the community as a whole. |
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| Q: |
How soon can I begin responding to calls? |
| A: |
You can begin responding to calls and participating in training as soon as the orientation process is complete. |
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| Q: |
Are there any benefits available to members of the fire department? |
| A: |
There are numerous benefits associated with joining the fire department. In addition to the warm feeling that comes from helping out a neighbor in need, members can receive tax reductions, discounts to local merchants including the YMCA, life insurance and the opportunity to earn a small pension. |
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| Q: |
How can I get more information? |
| A: |
Complete our Contact us form and a Chief will promptly contact you. |
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| Q: |
What are the training requirements when I first join: |
| A: |
Members who join need to declare whether they are interested mainly in firefighting, rescue or both. All new members will need to complete formal training outside the firehouse as well as complete in-house training. During this period, new volunteers are known as "Probationary" members. If a Probationary member is focusing mainly on rescue, then he or she will need to complete a Basic Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course. If a Probationary member is focusing mainly on fire, then he or she will need to complete the Firefighter I course offered by the Suffolk County Fire Academy. All members will be cross-trained to support the fire and rescue needs of the department. Rescue only members who wish to help out on the fire ground will also need to complete a Scene Support Operations class given through the Suffolk County Fire Academy. Fire only members will learn how to support EMT's during ambulance calls. Probationary members typically complete this training and become full members in good standing 12 to 18 months after joining. |