Welcome to the Pleasantville Fire Department website! Whether
you are a new member of our community or long time resident,
we are always looking for new people to continue the proud
tradition of protecting the citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions. . .
1) Is the Pleasantville Fire Department paid?
NO. Our organization is made up of all volunteers with varying
occupations. This means that members of the department do not
receive any money for their work. The trucks, buildings, heat,
lights, and other apparatus are provided by district taxes.
2) How many members make up the department and
where do they come from?
There are 101 active members, with an additional 61 associate
members (former and/or social members) in the department,
formed into five companies. All active members are residents of,
or work around the community. Various occupations include
carpenters, attorneys, laborers, accountants, writers, teachers,
etc. Many start with no firefighting experience-- just a desire to
help provide a valuable community service.
3) With so many active members, why do you need me?
There are times when members are not in the village or nearby,
making response difficult. For us, there is strength in numbers, so
our need for new members is not only desirable, it is necessary.
4) Do you have women firefighters?
Each of the fire companies has at least one woman member and
there are a total of 13 women in the Department. They are not a
"Ladies Auxiliary," but active responding fire fighters and officers.
There are times when our women fire fighters form the backbone
of our daytime response.
5) What is the Junior Corps?
The Junior Corps is a company in the Fire Department whose members are between 16 and 18 years. Members are required to respond to alarms, providing a school day was completed, and at the scene of a fire are under the control of the Chief. Subject to certain limitations, such as not entering a building that is the scene of a fire, their duties are consistent with those of an active firefighter. They also participate in training, drills and social activities.
6) Is there a way to learn more about the department to
see if I would be interested in joining?
Yes. Every Monday there is "house duty" during which members
from each company do weekly maintenance and inspection of
apparatus and equipment. This is an ideal time to come down and
meet the current members and get a better idea of the variety
of company functions.
7) I like fire engines, but I have no experience.
No problem. If you are willing to learn, we have training that every
new fire fighter completes at the Westchester County Fire Training
Center located in Valhalla. We also conduct on-going drills at the
Fire Training Center and around the village. We're looking for
people who are willing to spend a little time making Pleasantville
a safe environment, while enjoying the experience.
8) I'd like to join, but I am busy and not always available.
This is the same situation for every member. That's why you are
important. While we have some minimum requirements, we ask
people to respond when they are available. There is no set
"duty roster" that requires you to be present at certain times.
9) Do you have a LOSAP program?
Yes. In 1990, the voters of the Fire District approved a Length of
Service Awards Program (LOSAP). Essentially, this is a retirement
program that provides a stipend at age 65, based on active
participation and total years of service. This program also has
some life insurance benefits.
10) What does Ben Franklin have to do with Pleasantville
Fire Department?
Nothing. We just thought we'd drop his name. Seriously, he is
credited with organizing the first community-based volunteer fire
department. Two issues were critical in the 1700's and remain so
today: the deadly threat of fire and the cost of providing protection.
Mr. Franklin's solution has minimized both for over 200 years
throughout the United States.
11) Is there someone I can contact if I have more questions?
Please call the Chief's phone at 769-2336, or e-mail the Membership
Committee at membership@pleasantvillefire.org . We would be
happy to answer any questions you may have.
Volunteer-- to help yourself and your community!
Pleasantville Fire Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
All Applications are welcome.
