Elmont Online

The Elmont Fire Department (EFD) participated in the first-ever statewide volunteer firefighter recruitment weekend to help boost membership numbers. Through this new program called Recruit NY initiated by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), several fire departments across the state held open houses over the course of April 9 and 10 to encourage residents to join volunteer fire departments.

The Elmont Fire Department held its drive on Sunday, April 10.  Prior to the event, the Fire Department aggressively reached out to the community via fund drive letters, other forms of communication, word of mouth, etc., to notify residents about the upcoming recruitment event.

During the month of March, Elmont FD sent its recruitment committee members to the high schools in the district to let the young adults between the ages of 14 and 17 know about the Fire Department’s "Explorer" program.  The Fire Service Explorer Post is a branch of the Boy Scouts of America.  Those who would be turning 18 years old during the year would also be eligible. Those interested in becoming an Explorer would need to fill out a form of interest and the Fire Department would contact him/her.

On April 8, a group of Explorers made phone calls from the Chief’s Office, asking Explorer applicants if they were still interested in learning more about what it takes to join the Elmont FD, and if so, invited them to the Recruit NY open house. A family member was invited to attend for those applicants under the age of 18.

On April 10, the Elmont FD had a very good showing of residents between the ages of 14 and 30 at the Recruit NY open house.  Visitors had the opportunity to watch a video of the Fire Department in action over the last several years. Afterward, residents divided into groups and observed mock demonstrations, as well as apparatus and tools on display.

“While we are always looking for new members, this recruitment effort was an extremely worthwhile event for our Department,” Elmont Chief of Department Michael Capoziello. “More than 40 residents showed interest in joining our Department; we were thrilled with the turnout.”

If you are interested in joining the Elmont Fire Department or have further questions, please stop by any Elmont firehouse (Sunday morning is the best time), or call the Chief’s Office at 516-354-4560. The firehouses are located on Gotham Avenue, Plainfield Avenue, Elmont Road, Linden Boulevard, School Road, Meacham Avenue, and Lehrer Avenue. For more information, visit http://www.elmontfd.com/recruit.php.