100 Things to Do #69: Volunteer For The Fire Department

With a large fleet including three engines, one tower ladder, a heavy rescue, tanker, brush truck, utility truck, tw vans, a water rescue boat and four chief vehicles, the is always looking to recruit people who are willing to help in their community.

Currently there are 111 members involved in the Westhampton Beach Fire Department and First Assistant Chief, John “Chip” Bancroft says the doors are always open to new members.

The process to become an active firefighter involves a time commitment.

Youths between the ages of 12 and 18 are eligible to join the Westhampton Beach Fire Department Youth Program.

Since 2004, the program has been providing young adults the firsthand experience of what it is like to be a member of the volunteer fire department. In 2010, The Juniors Program was voted #1 in the nation by the National Volunteer Fire Council for being “an outstanding example of what a junior firefighter program can achieve.”

The program was nominated again this year for the award.

In order to get started, youths need to fill out an application at a meeting, online or at the department directly. Bancroft says kids can do everything  aside from fighting “live fires” and using power tools. They will also learn the fundamentals early on in order to become a full-fledged firefighter when they are old enough.

Once you have graduated high school, you are eligible to apply to become a volunteer firefighter. After being voted in by current members, volunteers are required to go through Suffolk County Fire Academy to be nationally certified with IFSA. The whole process generally takes about two years depending on how long a person is willing to commit. If you are interested, you can apply online or visit the fire station on the first Tuesday of every month.

Category: Volunteer

Price: Free

Season: Year round

Looking for something else to do? Click these numbers to get some ideas:  #100, #99, #98, #97, #96, #95, #94, #93, #92, #91, #90 ,  #89 , #88 , #87 , #86 , #85, #84 or #83 , #82, #81, #80, #79, #78, #77  #76, #75, #74, #73, #72, #71 or #70.