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Did you know that if you join the fire department’s Explorer program at 16 years old, after six months you can start riding trucks and by 17 you can become a full-fledged firefighter, a whole year before the average person can become one at 18?
Well, it’s true, and North Patchogue Fire Department is pushing their Explorer fast-tracked program in hopes of recruiting some young firefighters.
Steve Pfost, North Patchogue firefighter charged with heading recruitment, also recently helped launch their new website, last week, making it easier than ever to join. Now, for the first time, firefighters can visit the website and start the process.
“We are really trying to boost our membership,” said Pfost, also noting a lot of their younger members have moved out of state.
The department will also be attending the Patchogue-Medford School District’s career day later this month, in hopes of attracting more interested people. There are currently just over 14 explorers in the program.
The recruitment efforts aren’t just for youngsters, but also for adults who have never been a firefighter before and transfers who have moved to the area. NPFD, unlike many others, he said, helps make the transfer process easy with a program that allows firefighters to join without probation.
“Our utmost goal going forward is striving to reach the community of North Patchogue. We’re making every effort to connect with people who may not know what we do and how to join, while also stressing the flexibility of becoming a member of a volunteer fire department,” said chief of the department, Ted Peters. “We want people who never considered joining, if nothing else, show a spark of interest and just inquire to see if there may be a place for them in the department.”
“I have a wife and two kids and a job. I am just trying to get it out there that it’s flexible and doable,” Pfost said of becoming a firefighter.
Visit their website to learn about the volunteer fire service and to apply today: northpatchoguefd.org. You can join as early as age 14!
HOW TO JOIN?
The website explains: “Gaining you as a member is an investment we do not want to lose. There may be many questions one has when deciding to join our organization. We are here to help.” After filling out the form available on the homepage, there is a click-through section to learn how to continue. After filling out the form, the department will conduct a background check, then a meet-and-greet, which typically occurs every third Tuesday of the month during a meeting. Then, you must pass a physical. Once that is complete, you become a member accepted into the department and training begins. The process takes about two months to complete.
After you are accepted by the membership committee, you will be welcomed in at a monthly department meeting, introduced to all of the officers, given gear, and connected with the probie training committee to set up a training schedule.
Then there will be initial training, and if you are joining as a recruit with no prior experience, you will begin their in-house training, typically given in the months of July and January, and begin your Firefighter 1 course given at the Suffolk County Fire Academy, or for EMS personnel beginning your EMT or paramedic course. During or after your course requirements, probationary recruits are expected to participate in department training, work details, special events, and most importantly, respond to any alarms when available.
WHY VOLUNTEER?
According to the department, volunteer fire service is one of the highest forms of community involvement. Volunteer firefighters have been providing this valuable service to the community of North Patchogue for nearly 100 years.
THE BENEFITS
Though the volunteers are not paid, they are eligible for rewards, including: property tax exemption, pension through LOSAP, firefighter tuition assistance, free training, free gym, free annual physicals, free life insurance and free gear and uniform.
CONTACT NPFD
Located at 33 Davidson Avenue in Patchogue. For non-emergency calls: 631-475-1788. For recruitment:join@northpatchoguefd.org.
