The Gallupville Fire Department (GFD) will host an open house on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm in an effort to recruit new volunteers. Families are welcome, and anyone as young as 16 can sign up to help the community in a variety of ways with the GFD. Try on gear and explore the equipment the department uses while enjoying hot dogs and snacks provided by volunteers. “This will be an opportunity to try some actual fire and rescue equipment, learn about our vehicles and different types of functions in the Volunteer Fire Service,” says GFD president Jerry Snyder. Snyder is also commissioner of the Town of Wright Fire District in addition to being an interior firefighter and EMT. “Many hats,” jokes Snyder. “We could use some more heads to put hats on.”

           Snyder encourages anyone who doubts their ability to help the community to explore options during October’s open house. “Not everyone has to be an interior firefighter,” says Snyder, describing the many ways a volunteer can help, including assisting during medical response calls, controlling traffic, or helping with the monthly community breakfasts. “Training is provided, not only free of charge, but New York State now provides stipends to members who complete certain firefighting classes.”

           The October 10 open house will be the first open house in three years. The GFD will not be doing its annual turkey dinner this year, and recruitment is always needed, so the timing seemed right for another open house. The department scheduled it to align with Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4 to 10. This year’s Fire Prevention Week theme is “Safe Charging,” aimed at raising awareness around charging to reduce the risk of lithium battery fires in the home.

           The Gallupville Fire Department is located at 109 School Street. If you are interested in joining but cannot attend the open house, you are welcome to stop by on Monday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 pm to learn more about volunteering.