To obtain an application packet, stop by the Sloatsburg Fire House at 96 Orange Turnpike (beneath Village Hall) on Wednesday nights between 7 & 9 PM. Additionally you may arrange to meet an officer at any time by emailing us.
Dear Prospective Applicant:
The Sloatsburg Fire Department is one of Rockland County’s 26 fire departments. There are no career (paid) fire departments in Rockland County. All Rockland departments are staffed by volunteers in every position, from Chief to junior firefighter.
We have approximately 60 members on our active roster and we are always looking for new prospective members of our community who are willing to volunteer their time for our cause. If you are considering becoming a volunteer firefighter, please take the time to consider what being a firefighter entails before filling out an application.
To begin the application process, you must meet the following requirements:
• Be 16 years of age for junior membership, or 18 for full membership
• Be a resident or work in the Village of Sloatsburg Fire Protection District for at least one year. (The one year requirement is waived for active member transfers from other fire departments, provided a recommendation letter from the Chief is attached to the application.)
• Be in generally good health
• Have a clean criminal record
When you join our department, you will be on probationary status for a period of six months. As a probationary member, these are the requirements you must fulfill:
• Attend New York State Firefighter I training – 87 hours of class time; usually 2-3 classes a week during the evening at the Fire Training Center in Pomona, NY.
• Attend OSHA Training “Bloodborne Pathogens” – 3 hour class taken over one night given by the fire department.
• Have a total attendance of 65% for all fire department activities at the completion of your six months.
Additionally, every member is expected to participate in the following:
• Fire Calls – On average, we respond to between 120 and 170 calls a year. These calls are not always at convenient times. Sometimes we go out at 3 AM, sometimes around dinnertime. The volunteer service allows for members to respond when they can, but an overall 40% attendance rate is required to maintain membership. Firefighters are dispatched by pager and respond from their home or place of business to the fire station.
• Drills – Weekly training drills are held weekly on Wednesday at 6:45 PM for approximately 2-3 hours. Drills are mandatory; but reasonable excuses for occasional absence may be submitted to the Chief.
• Truck Maintenance – Once a month for approximately 2-3 hours.
• Truck Cleanups – Two (2) nights a week during the summer, the week of a parade. 3-4 hours each cleanup.
• Parades – Approximately 3-4 parades a year. Usually on Saturdays.
• Monthly Meeting – Second Thursday of each month at 8 PM. Approximately 1-2 hours. Attendance is mandatory; but reasonable excuses for occasional absence may be submitted to the Department President.
• Memorial Services – At least once a year.
• Training Classes – Held at the Rockland County Training Center or at the firehouse. 2-3 hours each night of class.
• Fund Raising – 2-4 hours each event. Our Annual Road Drive is held during one (1) weekend in August for approximately 8 hours each day. Members are expected to attend at least one (1) of the days.
• Cleanup Committee – General cleanup of firehouse, 1-2 hours a month, two-three (2-3) months per year. All members are required to participate and disciplinary action will be taken for failure to attend
Being a volunteer firefighter is a time-consuming vocation. There is a common misconception that the volunteer fire service is subordinate or an “auxiliary” to the career fire service. This is completely untrue. There is no significant distinction between a paid fire department and a volunteer fire department under New York State Law. The training you will take is the same, paid or volunteer, and the level of service and professionalism expected of you is the same. The commitment is a noble one. Anytime you respond to a call, it could be a life-altering event. Be sure that you understand the risks and rewards of this service before you commit yourself. Be sure to discuss this commitment with your family members because it will affect their lives as well. They need to understand that there will be times when you will be absent, so that you can serve your community.
Although no one is expected to attend every activity, attendance is encouraged. As a fire department, we take pride in our firehouse, trucks and service to the community. By attending these activities, you will build pride within the department. In addition, attending these activities allows all of us to get to know each other. This helps build the camaraderie and trust necessary for our members to be willing to risk their lives together in the pursuit of saving lives and property.
You must be at least 16 years of age to join. If you are under 18 years of age, you must have your parent's or guardian's consent to join. A personal interview with your parents or guardian will also be required. There are additional requirements and restrictions for members under the age of 18 which will be discussed during the interview process.