The Rockville Centre Fire Department wants you!

Just in time to coincide with National Volunteer Week, the Rockville Centre Fire Department will open its doors to village residents, hosting an open house. Part of a statewide program called Recruit NY, the aim is to attract and recruit new volunteers to the fire service, either as firefighters or EMS personnel.

Over the last several years, it’s been tough for fire departments throughout New York to recruit and retain volunteers for a variety of reasons. Like most volunteer fire departments, the Rockville Centre Fire Department needs to bolster its emergency responder numbers, so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents. Now more than ever, it needs more neighbors to join up.

The open house will take place this Saturday — April 9 between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the firehouse at Maple and Morris avenues.

“Come on out and join us for this unique recruitment day at our firehouse,” said Chief Mark Murray. “This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to observe the exciting tasks of being a firefighter or medic. 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.”

During the open house, members of the fire department will conduct tours of the firehouse and apparatus, allow visitors to try on turnout gear and provide activities and stations throughout the firehouse for visitors to participate. They will discuss the requirements to become a volunteer, as well as conduct demonstrations, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the fire department. In addition to the activities and demonstrations, there will be refreshments and giveaways for all.

The 163-year old Rockville Centre Fire Department protects approximately 26,000 residents living in the incorporated Village of Rockville Centre, and assists neighboring communities when called. The department consists of 320 men and women who belong to seven fire companies — one ladder company, five engine companies and a rescue company. Over the past 20 years, department membership has declined by almost 10 percent, while the number of alarms has increased by 70 percent. In 2010, the department responded to more than 2,200 alarms. According to its constitution, the department is currently 100 volunteers below full strength.

Current members range from 18 to 88 and they come from all walks of life – students, homemakers, doctors, lawyers, educators, accountants, plumbers, electricians, civil servants — people just like you. Many of them coach sports, actively participate in churches and synagogues and perform other community service in town. Qualified village firefighters receive free training, uniforms, contributions to a pension plan and 10 percent property tax reductions. The department is currently developing a Junior Firefighter program to create an interest among the village’s teens, ages 13 to 17, to learn what it is like to be a member of the department.

All residents are invited to visit the Maple and Morris Avenue firehouse in Rockville Centre on April 9 — so if you have 10 minutes or two hours to spare, stop by and meet the neighbors who protect you.