FI Fire Department: Critical Need of Volunteers

Fire District Commissioner Joe Brock recently compiled some vital statistics regarding the current members of the Fire District to share with the Island Community Board. The following is an update.

This month the Commissioners swore in the Fire Department Officers for 2015. These officers include Chief Wayne Doucette, 1st Assistant to the Chief Nate Malinowski, EMT Captain Carol Giles and Lieutenant Tracy Brock. The department is in need of a 2nd Assistant to the Chief and a Fire Captain.

Commissioners of the Fishers Island Fire District were pleased to recognize Firemen Penn Sanger and Greg Cypherd for 20 years of service, awarding them each with Life Member pins. Fireman JR Edwards received his 30-year Life Member pin and Fireman Ernie Middleton received his 50-year Life Member pin. Congratulations to each for their committed years of service to the Fishers Island Fire Department.

The Fishers Island Fire Department is in critical need of a few good men and women. This vital organization of the Fishers Island community is looking for volunteer firefighters and EMTs. All individuals that have their primary residence on Fishers Island, or commute to the Island for work every day are eligible. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact a member of the Fishers Island Fire Department listed below, the Fire Department secretary Jeffrey Edwards at fifire@fishersisland.net, or the Fire District secretary Catherine Edwards at fifiredistrict@fishersisland.net to obtain more information.

The District is also looking into the possible move to a paid fire fighter to work closely with the volunteer force. Additionally, several new volunteers may do the majority of their training on line, followed by attending a week-long certification session off island.

Founded in 1927, members work closely with Fishers Island’s year round doctor, Dr. Chris Ingram and the Island Health Project. There are 41 active volunteers currently serving (many in several roles) as department officers, firemen, pump operators, ambulance squad EMTs, and Sea Stretcher captains and navigators. Additional members serve as advisors, drivers, radio control and in other important capacities. Members serving on duty ‘in the field’, in their primary volunteer positions, break down this way for the 2015 Roster:

• 2 officers
• 27 fire personnel
• 8 EMTs
• 3 on Sea Stretcher

The District is looking for volunteers of all ages! Currently the age range is:

• Under age 40: 7 members
• Age 40-60: 24 members
• Over age 60: 9 members

Life Members are those who have served for over 20 years in the department. Of the 44 Life Members, 15 are on active status.

Fire Calls Answered in 2014:

• 67 Fire calls
• 38 EMT calls
• 23 Sea Stretcher runs

2015 Fishers Island Fire District and Fire Department Officers

 

2015 Fishers Island Fire Department Volunteers

*indicates Active Member
LM indicates Life Member, reached on the 20th anniversary year

The public is welcome at the monthly meetings of the Fishers Island Fire District. They begin at 5:00 pm and are held at the Firehouse unless otherwise posted. The 2015 meetings are scheduled on January 12, February 8, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8, July 13, August 10, September 8, October 13, November 9, and December 7.

Fishers Island is not alone in facing the challenges of a declining volunteer base. This editorial in The Day points to these – while our Fishers Island Fire District has the added challenge of isolation with no mutual aid agreement.

VOLUNTEER TODAY – THERE IS AN IMPORTANT ROLE FOR EVERYONE TO PLAY!

Learn More about the many benefits of joining at: http://www.suffolksbravest.com