Long Island Summer Camp Trains Teens To Become Next Generation Of Volunteer Firefighters
BETHPAGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) — There’s lots of smoke in the air at a summer camp of sorts on Long Island. But it’s not from a campfire.
As CBS2’s Carolyn Gusoff reported Thursday, it’s training for the next generation of badly-needed volunteer firefighters.
The camp in Bethpage is called Fahrenheit 516, named for the intense heat campers experience as they learn what it takes to become a firefighter.
In its 6th year, the camp is one week long and designed to attract and train future volunteers.
A nationwide shortage is impacting the retention of volunteers. Nassau County officials said dwindling numbers is a serious problem.
“Recruitment is a real challenge. Young people are busy. There’s lots of things taking them in other directions, but we rely on the volunteer fire service and we need to keep recruiting,” said Nassau County Executive Laura Curran. “This is a wonderful tool to get more people involved.”
“I think we’ve seen a drop-off in a lot of things lately and people volunteering their time isn’t always the way people go right now. But we really have a strong campaign going,” said Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker.
There were once 125,000 volunteers in New York. There are now 80,000 as the population and needs are growing.
This training is hands-on. Campers ages 14 to 17 said they’ve had to overcome some fears.
“I was scared of heights. I got over that yesterday, was able to climb up the ladder,” said AJ Pollack from Garden City. “Today I’m a little nervous, first time going in. But otherwise I’m putting it behind me and just gonna focus on getting the job done.”
“I have a lot of family in the fire department and growing up around it, I’ve always wanted to do something like it,” said Melissa O’Connor, 16. “I admire my father and what he does in the fire department and I want to follow in his footsteps.”
Once training is complete, campers as young as 17 can get to work.
Many volunteer fire departments offer all sorts of incentives like health benefits and tuition assistance.
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July 30, 2021 at 12:32AM
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