Briarcliff’s Bravest Hosting Annual Fund Drive

BRIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. – With an all-volunteer fire department, it can be difficult for Briarcliff Manor firefighters to get the necessary training that could be crucial on a call.

The Briarcliff Manor Fire Department is asking the public to show support during the department’s annual fund drive and help firefighters get that training they need. For nearly 50 years, the department has reached out to residents to donate support to help supplement new recruit training. Fire Chief Mike King said the additional training that firefighters receive is “invaluable” to the department.

“As the chief you want to maximize the education of your people to give them all of the tools they need,” King said. “It’s an honor and it’s great to see the village residents supporting us and showing their appreciation for all that we do.”

King said the department has needed the donations in recent years to help supplement the department’s budget during emergency situations.

“It not only enables us to do in-house educational training and get our guys to seminars but when we have storms, many times we’re sleeping in the firehouse to prepare for calls that might come in,” he said. “The donations that we receive help us manage the equipment or things we might need for our guys and help them be prepared for those calls.”

Residents looking to provide assistance are asked to mail donations to the Briarcliff Manor Fire Department at 1111 Pleasantville Road, Briarcliff Manor.  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 department’s non-emergency line at 914-941-0879.

“You can be as close to the action as you want to be,” King said. “We need EMTs who help take care of people after car accidents and injuries and we need drivers that help get us to the scene quickly. We have positions open for all kinds of personalities.”

From the youngest junior member, who’s 16-years-old, to a few seniors pushing 80, King said the department has roughly 200 all-volunteer members.

“We can use people from all ages and all skills and backgrounds,” he said. “We’re constantly looking for people and if someone is interested, we can find them a position they’ll like.” 

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