RecruitNY open house at the Oceanside Fire Dept.

Volunteer firefighters from the Oceanside Fire Department welcomes the community to stop by and say, “Hello” during the RecruitNY Open House on Apr. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This is a chance for residents of Oceanside to find out how the department keeps them safe, and learn about the rewards and responsibilities of being a volunteer firefighter.

The volunteers will show off the facilities at 65 Foxhurst Road; demonstrate firefighting techniques; allow visitors to try on turnout gear, and provide other interesting activities to give visitors a taste of the fire service. Members will discuss the requirements and rewards of being a volunteer firefighter, and speak with interested visitors about the process of joining their local department. There will be a fire prevention table and discussion. Families and children are welcome, and there will be give aways for the kids.

For the first time ever the Oceanside Fire Department welcomed two new pumper trucks, Unit 249 of Columbia Engine Company No. 1 and Unit 246 of Oceanside Hose Company No. 1. According to Public Information Officer Ed Scharfenberg the purchases were made with no increase in taxes. One of the old trucks was saved for use as a spare.

In addition the department purchased two new boats with an $80,000 grant from the Nassau County Legislature.

Scharfenberg said there are some benefits to being a volunteer fire fighter. “Nassau Community College gives active members free tuition. Other colleges throughout New York State offer free or discounted tuition to active members,” he said, “Some local fire departments donate between $10,000 and $13,000 for room and board to students who are active as well. Active volunteers also get free gym membership and a free medical checkup yearly.” In addition active members who are property owners get a discount on property taxes, so there are many benefits to being a volunteer Scharfenberg said.