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BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. Briarcliff Manor Fire Chief Michael King knows that being a volunteer firefighter can be tough. But he also said its the best job in the world.
There is nothing quite like being a volunteer firefighter. And theres nothing more rewarding either, King said. We have the best bunch of guys Ive ever had the pleasure of working with. Its a family and I know wed love for it to be an even bigger family.
The Briarcliff Manor Volunteer Fire Department is scheduled to open its doors on April 21 to residents and potential recruits to learn about what it takes to be a volunteer firefighter, according to a release from the department. The open house is part of a statewide program known as RecruitNY, an initiative designed to show more residents the duties and rewards that come with being a volunteer firefighter.
From the youngest junior member whos 16-years-old, to a few seniors pushing 80, King said the department has roughly 200 all-volunteer members. Most members have full-time jobs working a variety of trades and professions from lawyers to electricians to plumbers and stockbrokers.
But King said this week that the department is always in need of more help.
Everyone in our entire department is a volunteer and most of us have second jobs, he said. So getting more people in means better response time and more flexibility for all of our guys. It also means being a part of a really great group of dedicated and hardworking guys.
The departments headquarters at 1111 Pleasantville Road will walk residents through the responsibilities using a variety of methods. The department is set to conduct regular tours of the station, allow visitors to try on firefighter gear and provide activities and stations throughout the firehouse for visitors, according to the release. The Open House is scheduled to run from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 in conjunction with dozens of other volunteer fire departments around the state as part of National Volunteer Week.
The Briarcliff Manor Volunteer Fire Department continues to look for members year-round, King said, and those interested in joining are asked to call the departments non-emergency line at 914-941-0879 or through email.
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