Nyack Fire Company Opens its Doors in Effort to Recruit New Volunteers

The Nyack Fire Department is taking part of a statewide effort this weekend to recruit new volunteers for local fire companies.

Mazeppa Engine Co. No. 2, one of the eight all-volunteer fire companies in the Nyack Fire Department, is having an open house on Sunday so residents can visit the company, talks to its members and learn about their role as volunteer firefighters.

“Come out and join us for this unique recruitment day at our firehouse,” said Mazeppa Captain Mark DeMaio. “This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to observe the exciting tasks of a firefighter. Our current members enjoy being volunteer firefighters and are everyday heroes who help neighbors in need. We hope our recruitment will inspire other residents to join our fire company.”   

Mazeppa is taking part in the third annual RecruitNY statewide initiative. The program is designed to spread the word about the work of volunteer firefighters and to encourage local residents to consider joining local fire departments.

The effort also serves as a reminder that in communities such as Rockland County, the fire service is made up 100 percent of volunteers — there are no paid firefighters in Rockland.

The effort is also a statewide response to declines in the ranks of volunteers. In Nyack, fire companies such as Mazeppa are constantly seeking new members so the department can meet the needs of the community.

On Sunday, April 28, Mazeppa will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The company is located at 68 Main St., just east of the intersection of Main Street and Broadway in downtown Nyack.

Throughout the day, Mazeppa members will conduct tours of the station and firefighter apparatus, allow visitors to try on firefighter gear, and provide activities for visitors. Fire company members will discuss the requirements to be a volunteer, answer questions, and let visitors know how to get involved in the fire company.

The Nyack Fire Department has companies, including Mazeppa, located in Nyack, South Nyack and Upper Nyack.

Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking by the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY).