Hemlock Farms Volunteer Fire & Rescue Co., Station 29

The Fire & Rescue department responds to fire calls and vehicle accidents, as well as rescue incidents, carbon monoxide alarms, and assisting EMS. There are 65 active members, with some having as many as 30 years experience in the fire service. Some members are retired FDNY Firefighters, and others bring experience from other departments. Due to the volunteer nature of the Company, we have firefighters with many different backgrounds: auto repair, building construction, machinery maintenance, engineering, radio communications, and law enforcement being just a few. We are able to collaborate with these individual experts to arrive at an optimal solution to any problem that may arise on scene.

Being a Fire & Rescue volunteer consists of extensive training and is an ongoing endeavor. The critical training course is the State certified Essentials of Firefighting, which is over 92 hours of classroom and practical exercises. Skills learned include forcible entry, hose usage, fire investigation, and equipment maintenance. In addition to fire operations, most members attend the Basic Vehicle Rescue course, a 48 hour course which covers vehicle extrication techniques and scene safety. Additional training topics include Hazardous Materials, Water Rescue, Infectious Diseases, High Angle Rescue, Structure Collapse, and Apparatus Operations.

Some of our members, although retired from the active fire & rescue role, still provide vital support as Fire Police and Safety Officers. Fire Police ensure scene safety by controlling vehicle and pedestrian traffic surrounding both motor vehicle accidents as well as fire scenes. Safety Officers are observers on scene to ensure that all jobs carried out by Fire & Rescue personnel are done in a safe and proficient manner. This protects the emergency personnel, the public, as well as private individuals directly involved with the incident. By knowing that the scene is safe and secure, emergency personnel can focus on their duties, and the individuals involved can be assured of their privacy and well being.

Our members do extensive work regarding Public Awareness. Chief Palumbo writes a monthly column in the Hemlock News ranging in such topics as fire prevention in the home, water and boating safety, child-seat requirements, motor vehicle safety and more. Members give demonstrations to preschoolers, area school districts, senior centers, Boys and Girl Scouts, and church groups.