BOVINA CENTER FIRE AND EMS TO PARTICIPATE IN STATEWIDE RECRUITNY OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND APRIL 22

BOVINA CENTER — As part of the annual RecruitNY statewide initiative, the Bovina Center Fire  Department and Emergency Squad will open its doors so residents can learn how they can serve their  volunteer community. 

Volunteer fire departments across New York state have been faced with decreased membership and  increased call volume. Like most volunteer fire departments, Bovina needs to bolster its ranks so it can  continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents.  

As part of RecruitNY Weekend, the Bovina Fire Station will open its doors on Saturday, April 22 from  8am until 4pm. The department is located at 36 Maple Ave (Just off County 6 behind the playground). It  will join hundreds of volunteer fire departments across New York to raise public awareness regarding  the need for volunteers and to highlight the rewards of being a member of a volunteer fire department.  

Throughout the day, they will conduct tours of the station and apparatus, allow visitors to try on gear,  demonstrate firefighting activities, provide information, and address questions on becoming a member.  These activities give visitors a taste of what it means to be in the fire service. Volunteer firefighters will  also be on hand to discuss the requirements and rewards of joining. All are welcome and encouraged to  attend, including families with children. Bovina has a rich history of volunteer firefighting starting in  1915. The Department still maintains their original hand drawn ladder and hose carts from that time  along with two other historical motorized apparatus that will be on display for the day. 

“We welcome the community to join us during RecruitNY Weekend,” said Kevin M. Brown (Chief). “This  is an excellent opportunity for people to meet their local volunteer firefighters and learn more about the fire service. We are always looking for new members, and it is our hope that after meeting us, more  people will be interested in becoming part of our family. There is a role for everybody in the volunteer  Fire and EMS services! No experience is necessary....we will train you.” 

Delaware County, NY is protected by 29 fire departments staffed entirely by volunteers from the  community. A recent study by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) concluded  that this saves the taxpayers of Delaware County around $68 Million in property taxes as opposed to  having paid firefighters. 

Bovina and Sidney are listed on https://www.recruitny.org as participating this year in the RecruitNY  open house weekend. If you are interested in more information about volunteering please visit one of  these stations or you can find your local department's contact information at https://fireinyou.org 

Kevin M. Brown 

Chief, Bovina Center Fire Department 

bovinafire@gmail.com