North Merrick Fire Department to Open Doors to Community

The North Merrick Fire Department will open its doors to area residents so they can learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in their community as part of the third annual RecruitNY statewide initiative.

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 North Merrick Fire Department needs to bolster its emergency responder numbers so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents.

As part of RecruitNY, on Saturday, April 27 from 2-6 p.m., and Sunday, April 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the North Merrick Fire Department, located at 2095 Camp Ave., will join volunteer fire departments all across the state at their respective firehouses for a unified recruitment drive as part of National Volunteer Week 2013.

Not only will RecruitNY 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.

Throughout the day, the North Merrick Fire Department will conduct tours of the station and firefighter apparatus, allow visitors to try on firefighter gear and provide activities and stations throughout the firehouse for visitors. 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.

Last year, more than 430 fire departments in 55 counties across the state held recruitment open houses. FASNY is hoping for an even higher turnout this year and encourages departments to RSVP to let the community know they’re participating at: www.recruitny.org/signup.

“Come out and learn how you can help your community by volunteering your time with the North Merrick Fire Department,” Chief Sean Kelleher said. “This is a great opportunity for our local residents to see firsthand how our current firefighters and EMS volunteers operate. We hope that by seeing how we operate and experiencing how we love what we do, will inspire others to join in the ranks of the North Merrick Fire Department. ”

The North Merrick Fire Department’s website is www.northmerrickfd.org, and the non-emergency number is 516-223-4102.  Select option #2 for the Chiefs Office and leave a voicemail for Chief Sean Kelleher.