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Q: What is the time commitment?
A: After you join, you'll need to complete NYS-approved firefighter or EMT training. These are rigorous courses that require 150-200 hours of classroom time plus hands-on drills. Active members are expected to respond to as many alarms as possible, complete required ongoing training and drills, regularly attend cleanups, and participate in other activities. So it can be a big time commitment. But it's also mostly fun. Q: What does it cost? A: Other than a $15 application fee, there is none. The District pays for the costs of your training and required gear. The District also pays for a physical exam, drug test, some health benefits, and workmen's comp insurance. But, if you want to buy some fancy firefighter swag to impress your friends or a porterhouse steak for a firehouse meal, then that's on your dime. Q: Are any members trained as both an EMT and firefighter? A: Yes. It is certainly possible to certify as both an EMT and firefighter, but it requires a very significant time commitment to meet the initial and ongoing training requirements. |
We come from all backgrounds but all share the same goal...to give back to our community, and keep people safe. Q: Can high school students join? What about someone who lives in another town, but works in Armonk?
A: Yes, high school students can join. We especially need volunteers for weekday working hours, so if you work in Armonk and can respond during the workday, you are eligible to join -- regardless where you live. Q: Are there any women firefighters? Yes. In fact, one of our recent chiefs is a woman. |
Q: What do you eat at the firehouse?
A: We take our food seriously, and always look forward to communal mealtime. And just like many Armonk families, we too often order restaurant takeout. So if you're a good cook, we'd love to have you join and try your hand in our kitchen. We value diversity, so both carnivores and vegans are welcome. Q: Do you sleep at the firehouse? A: When bad weather is forecast, the chief may announce an "overnight standby," and members sign up to sleep in our separate men's and women's bunk rooms. Otherwise, we respond from our homes when our pagers "tone out." It's always rough at 3am -- but we know our neighbors are counting on us! Joining a fire department is joining an extended family of people who want to help others. No understanding of firefighting or EMS is needed to join -- all of our members are regular people who chose to commit. |
Q: I might be interested in joining. What should I do?
A: Come down to the firehouse on Monday evening at 7:30. That's when we have our weekly cleanup and drills. Simply walk in and tell the first person you see that you might want to join, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome. You'll probably even recognize some of us, since we're your neighbors! To speed up the process, download and complete the following Membership Application.
A: Come down to the firehouse on Monday evening at 7:30. That's when we have our weekly cleanup and drills. Simply walk in and tell the first person you see that you might want to join, and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the warm welcome. You'll probably even recognize some of us, since we're your neighbors! To speed up the process, download and complete the following Membership Application.