Wanted: East Rockaway Fire Department volunteers!

As part of the statewide program “RecruitNY.” the East Rockaway Fire Department will open its doors to the public on April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., to allow them to learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter in their community, For 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 East Rockaway needs to bolster its emergency responder numbers so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents.

“Come on out and join us for this unique recruitment day at our firehouse,” said Chief Peter Chojnacki. “This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to observe the exciting tasks of a firefighter. 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 East Rockaway Fire Department will conduct tours of its stations and firefighter apparatus for visitors. The four locations in East Rockaway: East Rockaway Fire Department Headquarters, 473 Atlantic Avenue; Grant Avenue Firehouse, 13 Grant Ave.; Liberty Hose Firehouse, 2 Clark St.; and the Main Street Firehouse, 5 Main St. Members of the 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.

Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC), Association, For more information about the East Rockaway Fire Department, visit www.eastrockawayfd.org/.