Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Flanders Fire Department. Below is some information that we believe may be of use to persons considering membership. For an application, you can stop by the firehouse, call the firehouse at 631.727.0758 or simply download the application by clicking on the link under "Join Today" on the side of the page. Fill it out and send it to the Fire Department at 19 Firehouse Lane Flanders, NY 11901 Attention: Membership Committee.

FIRE FIGHTING IS NOT FOR EVERYONE

There is plenty of opportunity to serve your community through the volunteer fire service and much of it has nothing to do with fire fighting.

The Fire services are one of the most challenging professions today. It is this diversity that inspires most men and women to enter the fire service. This business is not for everyone however. You need more than just a desire to help people. You need courage, dedication, assertiveness and a willingness to learn new skills and face new challenges.

The personal rewards and satisfaction received from the volunteer fire service are often beyond description. There is a sense of accomplishment after controlling a building fire, joy and elation when a life is saved, compassion for accident victims, and fulfillment in teaching fire safety.

If you are looking for a change of pace or excitement in your life, the world of emergency services is for you.

We have various committees within the Department and its companies, all of which you will be welcomed to join. Running and maintaining a Department of our size is time consuming and at times, costly, so the volunteering of your time is something we value.

We also tend to regular truck and equipment inspections and inventories, as well as tending to fundraising, banquets, memorial services, member activities, parades, and a full menu of things that need to be done by the volunteers. Other committees include, but not limited to, historical, fire prevention, blood drive, and fund drive.

What does it take to be a firefighter?

Most of our members at The Flanders Fire Department have entered the Department with no previous fire experience. The Flanders Fire Department firefighters pride themselves on a strong foundation of training that begins on the first day. While formal training to ride is eventually required, new members are able to ride in a limited capacity after receiving basic in-house training.

Initial formal training consists of the Firefighter One classes that are taught at Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Training Center in Yaphank. This class is approximately 90 hours, and spans a total of four months in which a student has up to one year to complete. Students receive instruction in theories of fire behavior and suppression, forcible entry, ventilation, property salvage, basic hazardous materials, as well as first aid and CPR. Most of the classes are lecture and hands-on training. Successful completion results in Certification as a Firefighter. Upon completing the Firefighter One class, members are welcome to take additional specialty classes that are applicable to our operations that interest them. Such classes include heavy rescue, fire fighter survival, hazardous materials, and firefighting operations as well as Firefighter Two.

Perhaps the most important aspect of our training comes from our monthly department fire school nights which are held the first Thursday night of the month from 7-9pm. Officers conduct drills to sharpen everyone's skills or try out a new procedure as well as learn our equipment. We also hold monthly department drills which are the last Monday of every month. Both are great opportunities to learn.

If any or all of this interests you and you are 18 years or older, please email the Chief at flanderschief@optonline.net to setup a time to meet with our membership committee. Membership meets each month to accept applications, conduct interviews and get you started on the path to be a certified firefighter. Or you can stop by the fire department and we will be more than happy to give you additional information of what we're all about.

Please download and fill out our Membership Application if you are interested in joining the Flanders Fire Department.