Warwick Volunteer Fire Department holds recruitment drive on Railroad Avenue

WARWICK — A visitor to the Village of Warwick on Sunday, April 29, might have easily assumed that emergency vehicles and personnel had just responded to a serious automobile collision on Railroad Avenue.
But he or she would soon discover that this was just an extraction demonstration employing special hydraulic tool, or "Jaws of Life," used to cut through steel, aluminum, sheet metal and other materials common in automobiles to quickly free trapped passengers.
The time it takes to get accident victims to the hospital is critical in preventing further injury or death.
Rewards and responsibilitiesThat day, as part of "RecruitNY," was an opportunity for local fire departments to host open house events that offer exposure to volunteer fire service. And the Warwick Fire Department was hosting an open house recruitment drive.
By joining other volunteer fire departments throughout New York State, the Warwick Fire Department wanted to offer local citizens an opportunity to learn about the rewards and responsibilities that come with being a firefighter and to raise public awareness about the urgent need for volunteers.
In addition to the car extrication, there were brush fire demonstrations, fire extinguisher training, a children's safety Smoke House, engine and ladder company tours and other demonstrations of firefighter apparatus.
Members of the communityVolunteer firefighters were also on hand to answer questions and discuss the requirements for becoming a volunteer and how to get involved in their community fire department.
Some firefighter volunteers are retired, but most are daily commuters, business owners, teachers, lawyers, engineers, blue-collar workers, high school students and members of every other profession.
"We hope this event raised public awareness about the need for volunteers," said Mike Contaxis, 2nd assistant chief WFD and chairman of RecruitNY. "We are very fortunate in Warwick to have great emergency services provided by our police, fire and EMS. Our citizens should be proud of all that our volunteers do."
Seeking junior firefighters as wellContaxis also added that they are also looking for junior firefighters in high school from 16 years of age and up.
"Please stop at one of our four companies at our three firehouses to join up any night," he said.
Anyone interested in additional information about becoming a volunteer firefighter can also visit Facebook at Warwick NY Fire Department.
- Roger Gavan