Fire department volunteers have become scarcer as training demands have increased around the U.S. Meanwhile, firefighting adjusts to new kinds of fire hazards. Port Jervis Fire Chief Keith Brown responded to questions from the Lookout about how PJFD has changed with these challenges.
- How long have you been a Port Jervis Fire Dept. member? How old were you when you began, and what prompted you to join?
I joined in 1982 at the age of 19. This year it will be 41 years since I joined the Fire Department. I was friends with several of the members of Engine 5 in West End.
- What are ways the fire department has changed since you began? Have the numbers of volunteers who show up for a fire call changed?
Originally when I joined there were seven companies, and each had a charter limiting membership to seventy-five members. Many companies were at full capacity or close to that. Prospective members were sometimes put on waiting lists to join. Many members worked locally, and companies allowed members to respond to calls while working. Today more members work out of town, leave early in the morning and get back in town later at night. Today currently there are six companies, not seven, and 256 members. The rescue company is cross staffed with members from each company now.
- Has the change affected speed of response to a call?
PJFD response times have not become longer. The Department has implemented changes, such as designating a duty engine per month for all members who respond, which ensures a fully staffed response. We also have members that work second shift or overnight. This allows for better staffing during the daytime when other members are working, possibly out of town. The department is fortunate to have members who became career firefighters. This also allows members to be available for calls while many are working.
- How has FD adjusted strategies to changing numbers?
Companies were either Truck, Pumper or Rescue. Members were trained and focused on the task associated with the company in which they belong. Today members cross -train to be able to do many different jobs depending on the call.
- What are the most persistent obstacles to recruitment?
Time is the biggest hurdle. Trying to find members that can attend the initial training is difficult. There are two classes that a firefighter (FF) would choose from. To become an Exterior FF they would take BEFO (Basic Exterior Firefighting Operations). FF 1 is the course needed to begin path as an Interior FF. That course is 110 Hrs. long. This is just the beginning of the training that a new member would need to take. Beginning this year, New York State has funded a new program which pays a stipend for firefighters who attend certain training courses. This program also allows local municipalities to expand and locally fund additional courses. Additionally, starting in 2024, the City and County have created a program where firefighters receive a property tax discount. I am hopeful these and future programs will help to keep the volunteer fire service running for a long time.
- How have recruitment strategies changed?
The members have set up at the high school and other functions to do recruitment drives. Signage has been placed around the city, as well as on social media.
- What is the likelihood of centralizing the fire department? What are your thoughts about the pros and cons of doing that?
I believe the potential of a Central Station is very good. The land swap with the Port Jervis School District is complete. This helps both parties reach future goals. Having all the members together is the best way to continue growth. Maintaining six buildings that were built in 1884,1890,1974,1987,1990 and 1997 does not make financial sense. Today, fire stations are designed to meet specific standards. Carcinogen reduction is one of the primary design changes. New stations are being designed to be Net 0 or even Net positive. Interior of stations would be designed to allow training inside the station. This would allow training to be accomplished regardless of weather conditions.
- What changes are coming up for the fire department?
Some changes coming up for the fire department are preparations for responding toe electric and hybrid vehicle accidents. Charging fires for these vehicles occur at open chargers or in-home chargers. Solar panels on residential and commercial buildings are becoming mainstream. There is also the possibility of a switch from diesel to electric fire trucks.
- What changes would you like to see?
Funding. Currently, funding of the fire departments relies only on local funding. It is a financial drain on municipalities, especially as prices continue to skyrocket. State and Federal funding must become more readily available.
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