Thursday, October 1, 2026
There was a story in several editions of the April 22-28 issue of the Herald titled “FASNY sounds alarm for new recruits,” reporting on the Firefighters Association of the State of New York as it addresses the declining number of volunteer firefighters. Volunteer fire services nationwide are entering a new phase of difficulties. Of course, New York state is experiencing these changing times as well. I want to focus closer to home, right here in Nassau County, and of course, the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream.
A brief introduction to the volunteer fire service in Nassau County: As the county became more populated in the mid-1800s, community leaders and residents realized the dangers of fires and knew they needed some way to fight burning structures. Here in Valley Stream, a large fire that started in a bakery and burned for over a month, fueled by coal stored in the basement, led to the formation of Hook and Ladder Company #1, on Corona Avenue, in August 1898. Residents banded together to help one another and protect life and property.
The Valley Stream Fire Department and Historical Society have numerous accounts of the formation, development, growth and advancement of our local heroes. I’d like to focus on the current conditions that our volunteers face.
I joined Hook and Ladder Company #2, on Clearstream Avenue, on Jan. 20, 1981 — coincidentally, the day Ronald Reagan was sworn into office for his first term as president. There are plenty of members with way more time and experience than I have, but there are many more with a lot less perspective.
The volunteer fire service has become part of the fiber of my being. I’ve been a firefighter longer than I’ve been a dad or a teacher, two things that I’m also very proud to claim. I cherish the number of good, helpful, concerned and caring members that I’ve met along the way. The lifelong friendships, weddings, births, anniversaries and camaraderie are immeasurable. Being part of a team that trains and works together is yet another one of those avocational highlights that I have talked about so much in the past.
Hands-on skills and training: These are things you can’t get from A.I., or from sitting in a classroom.
When I was interested in volunteering, there was a waiting list to join the Fire Department. All these years later, virtually every volunteer service organization or community group now suffers from lack of enrollment and declining membership.
Unlike social or fraternal clubs, however, the fire service requires extensive training and numerous safety protocols to properly prepare firefighters for very dangerous situations and emergencies. I loved the classroom training, as well as the live burn applications at the Nassau County Fire Service Academy in Bethpage. For me it was invaluable information, and those skills will stay with me for life.
Sadly, today many families struggle with multiple jobs just to afford to live on Long Island. Most people don’t have time for all the updated training that it takes to maintain a Class A firefighter certification.
It used to be that people were eager to find ways to participate in the community and help their neighbors. Now local fire departments, and those throughout New York state, have had to add many incentives to boost recruitment and retain volunteers. In Valley Stream, benefits and initiatives include free tuition at Nassau Community College; all training, equipment and certifications for firefighters as well as EMTs; an awards, or pension, program; gym memberships; property tax exemptions and free annual medical exams. Our fire stations are clean and modern, equipped with the latest in firefighting technologies. Yet without the willingness and time to serve, membership numbers are way down.
There is much history that can be discussed, and also many stories in the media on the current state of firefighting, including paid departments — far too much to cover here.
I encourage you to look into firefighting in your community. The Valley Stream Fire Department is on all social media including Facebook and Instagram. Your research can begin at valleystreamfd.org, or you can email VSFDRecruitment@valleystreamfd.org. Better yet, stop by a local firehouse and meet some of your neighbors who are dedicated to serving our community. Your friends, family and neighbors will thank you.
Ed Fare is the mayor of Valley Stream.
