The LaGrange Fire
District
What are we about?
The
LaGrange Fire Department has been serving the town of
Yes, that’s right, we do more than just fight fires, we
have served the town for over 60 years, assisting with emergencies of all types
and sizes.
For example:
We provide the town with its own ambulance
service, which is staffed by members that are NYS
certified Emergency Medical Technicians.
We operate our own “heavy rescue” apparatus,
which is equipped with some of the latest in rescue technology and is operated
by members who have been specially trained in the latest rescue techniques.
We have an array of fire fighting and emergency
apparatus that members are trained to use at all types of emergencies.
What can be in it for you?
Well, if the thrill of becoming a firefighter or an Emergency Medical Technician (or BOTH) aren’t intriguing enough for you and the personal satisfaction that you get from helping your neighbors and community aren’t satisfying enough, there are still a number of other “fringe” benefits available to you as a member:
A pension plan.
Use of the department gym for members and their
immediate family (over 16 years of age), free of charge.
Local merchant discounts.
Access to your station’s meeting room for
private functions.
The friendships and relationships that develop
from the “social” aspects of being a member.
Where do you fit in?
No prior emergency services experience is necessary. All training is provided at no cost to you. The district will provide the required personal protective equipment. New members will go through an introductory period, during which time they are mentored. Firefighter candidates must be at least 16 years of age.
Structural Firefighter
This position requires the successful completion of the NYS Firefighter I (and,
optionally, Firefighter II) courses, OSHA HazMat Operations
& Safety courses and SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus)
training. A structural firefighter will
assist at all fire district emergencies, which can include entering dangerous
environments, such as burning or smoke-filled structures. This person will also
assist with vehicular rescue and the containment of hazardous materials spills.
Non-Structural Firefighter
This position requires the successful completion of the NY Firefighter I (or,
minimally, Scene Support Operations) courses and the OSHA HazMat
Awareness & Safety courses. A non-structural fire fighter will assist at
all district emergencies, performing the various functions that support the
structural firefighters, without entering the immediately dangerous
environment. These can include, but are not limited to, the driving of
emergency apparatus, pump and water supply operations, personnel accountability
and managing the equipment staging areas.
Fire Police
This position requires the successful completion of the NYS Fire Police
course. A member of the fire police will
assist at all emergencies to ensure the safety of the members and equipment
operating at an emergency scene, which can include, but is not limited to,
traffic and crowd control.
Emergency Medical Services
The members of this squad are required to successfully complete the NYS Emergency Medical Technician training program and the OSHA HazMat Awareness & Safety courses. EMT’s are dispatched to all medical, trauma and other health related fire emergencies. All EMT candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
Associate Members
These members do not participate at emergencies, they
assist with various administrative and social functions for the department,
which can include fundraising, photography, public relations, as well as legal
and secretarial support. There are no training requirements.
Ladies Auxiliary
Members of the auxiliary provide the department with a variety of services, including rehabilitative support for members operating at emergency scenes.
To remain a member in good standing there are certain requirements that need to be satisfied. Here are some highlights:
Firefighters:
Complete the NYS Firefighter Fundamentals class
(36 hours) within your first year of membership.
Respond to at least 60 calls for your home
station.
Participate in a minimum number of firehouse
activities, duties and work details, typically done on Monday evenings.
Attend the required drills, classes and safety
sessions.
Emergency
Medical Technicians:
Become a NYS certified Emergency Medical
Technician within the first two years of your membership.
Respond to at least 60 emergency calls.
Participate in weekly equipment checks,
maintenance and associated duties.