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Depew Volunteer Fire Department |
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“Professionally Staffed by Volunteers” |
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About Us / FAQ’s |
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Depew Volunteer Fire Department, Village of Depew, NY
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About Us
The Depew Fire Department responds to approximately 250 emergency calls each year, and that number is continuing to increase.
Currently, the Depew Fire Department is the largest volunteer fire department in Erie County with approximately 170 active members. Our Department runs numerous mutual aid alarms with the Village of Lancaster Fire Department and many of the fire companies under Lancaster and Cheektowaga Fire Controls. These fire companies call us because of our large number of firefighters and our good equipment.
Recently, the Depew Fire Department put three (3) thermal imaging cameras into service.
Safety is the utmost importance in the Depew Fire Department. We are completely OSHA and NFPA compliant. Recently, we have updated all of our Air Packs to the highest standard.
When you join the fire service, you become brothers and sisters with all firefighters around the world. This is truly one big family!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to join the Depew Fire Department as a volunteer who responds to emergency calls? - Be a resident of the Village of Depew, or live within one (1) mile of the Village line. - Be a minimum of fourteen (14) years of age. 14-15 Explorer, 16-17 Jr. Firefighter, 18 and up for Firefighter - Be able to meet the fire department's physical agility requirements - Be able to obtain a medical examination certificate proving you are fit to participate in firefighting activities - Be prepared to commit the necessary time and effort involved in being a volunteer firefighter.
How many calls does the Depew Fire Department respond to on average, each year? It depends on the year. Hot, dry spring conditions usually increase our call volume substantially because of grass and field fires. So do strong winters as snow emergencies increase our number of calls. On average we respond to about 350 calls per year.
Am I expected to attend all emergency calls or training sessions? No. It is understood that work and family commitments come first. It is expected that our members attend a certain amount of training sessions per year, but that number is very easy to achieve.
I realize that this is a volunteer fire department, but is there any compensation for being a volunteer firefighter? - Yes there is some compensation for your time. The Village of Depew has a Service Award Program that entitles you to $24.00 for each year of service. At the age of 65, you may be entitled to $600.00 per month. - The Depew Fire Department believes in family commitments. Therefore, annual Christmas parties, summer picnics, and numerous other activities which involve the families are conducted. - If you are a homeowner in the Village of Depew, you will receive a tax deduction. - We also have a physical training facility that all of our members can use.
I have never belonged to a fire department or never had any special training dealing with emergencies. Am I wasting my time applying to be a volunteer firefighter? No, definitely not. We have many training programs and practice sessions that educate our members in the various fields of firefighting. This is an ongoing process in the fire service. Remember, you may be a new member or a 30 year member, but you never stop learning about firefighting.
How much time will I be expected to contribute? Members of the Depew Fire Department are asked to attend as practices and alarms as possible. The department trains together every 3rd Tuesday from 7 PM to 10 PM. Company drills are also held at various times throughout the month as are company meetings.
What types of calls do you respond to? The Depew Fire Department responds to vehicle fires, grass fires, structure fires, carbon monoxide calls, alarm activations and many other emergencies. We normally do not respond to motor vehicle accidents unless there is a need for extrication or spill cleanup. We also do not respond to emergency medical situations. These calls are handled by the Depew Police Department and the Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
I am a little apprehensive about being the "new kid on the block". This is not a big problem. All members in this department are treated equally. All of our members go through the same training together. You will learn a great deal from your fellow firefighters. You don't become a firefighter over night, and we all understand that and will work with you. You will not be expected to do something you are unsure or uncomfortable of and your line officers understand that. After attending a few training sessions and activities, you will begin to feel comfortable with the atmosphere of being a firefighter.
What items will I be trained in as a volunteer firefighter? There are many areas that you will be trained in. Some of them are: use of self contained breathing apparatus, search & rescue, ropes & knots, radio communications, incident command, pump operations, hose laying, driving, ventilation, fire suppression, fire prevention, overhaul, aerial ladder operation, ground ladder placement, salvage, extinguishers, etc. Training is an ongoing process. You will be continually learning.
What is the area that the Depew Fire Department provides service to? Our district is the Village of Depew boundaries within the Towns of Lancaster and Cheektowaga. We also may be called to give assistance to many of our neighboring fire districts.
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