Monday, May 19, 2025
Over the weekend, Nassau County’s Sixth Battalion welcomed families and future first responders alike at its third annual “Touch-A-Truck” event — a lively recruitment and community awareness initiative held oat East Meadow High School.
The Sixth Battalion includes 10 volunteer fire departments — Bellmore, East Meadow, Levittown, Massapequa, Merrick, North Bellmore, North Massapequa, North Merrick, Seaford, and Wantagh — and is supported by the Bellmore-Merrick and Wantagh-Levittown volunteer ambulance corps.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the school’s grounds were transformed into a showcase of emergency response vehicles, fire apparatus, and interactive displays. The event was part of the statewide RecruitNY Weekend, an effort by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York to address the pressing need for more volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel across the state.
Hundreds of attendees, including prospective recruits, families with young children, and longtime supporters of the volunteer fire service, had the opportunity to engage with the equipment and speak one-on-one with current volunteers about what it takes to serve. Children eagerly climbed aboard fire trucks and ambulances, tried on gear, and met local heroes — giving the event both a festive and educational atmosphere.
“Recruitment and retention are critical to the future of the volunteer fire service,” said Chief Matt Giudice of the Levittown Fire Department, who also serves as chairperson of the Sixth Battalion. “By working together as a battalion, we amplify our outreach and strengthen the pipeline of dedicated individuals ready to serve their communities. ‘Touch-A-Truck’ is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration.”
In addition to raising awareness about the need for more volunteers, the event served as a platform to highlight the benefits available to those who serve. These include property-tax exemptions, state income-tax credits, scholarships for Nassau Community College students, free training and health checkups, and a length-of-service award program offering monthly stipends based on years of service.
Organizers emphasized that beyond these incentives, the true reward lies in the service itself. Many volunteers use their training as a springboard into professional careers in firefighting, emergency medical services, and law enforcement.
Saturday’s event was a celebration of community, service, and the next generation of emergency responders — one that left an impression on visitors of all ages and reinforced the vital role volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel play in keeping Nassau County safe.
