VOL Fire Dept Hosts Open House For Entire Family June 10

Everyone Can Volunteer - Teens & Adults

by Judy Silberstein

(May 31, 2006) The Village of Larchmont’s Fire Department is stepping up its efforts to recruit new volunteers with an open house for the community at Village Hall, 120 Larchmont Avenue on June 10 from 3 to 5 pm. There will be food and events for adults and kids of all ages (a mini fire academy, relay races, an obstacle course, and an opportunity to handle the hoselines.)

Angelo Mancino, a relatively new member of the department and head of the recruitment drive, explained. “Our goal is to have every resident in Larchmont aware that:

1. We have a combination (volunteer and career) fire department - when that alarm goes off, your neighbors respond; and

2. You can choose to participate."

“There are so many new residents who don’t know these simple facts,” said Mr. Mancino.

It was only by luck that Mr. Mancino learned about the department, he said. He was at his son’s scout meeting a few years ago when another father described his firefighter training. “I thought you were an electrician,” Mr. Mancino said in surprise. “Yes -- I’m doing this as a volunteer,” was the reply.

“I said, ‘Wow, I’m in’ and that was basically it,” recalled Mr. Mancino. Late last year he switched careers from management consultant to mortgage broker and also put in enough hours with the department to be designated “Firefighter of the Year.”

He’s also recruited some new friends - a realtor, a mortgage banker and a commercial banker. “I talk to everyone. People from all sorts of backgrounds – male and female make up the department. We need everyone who can contribute – as much as they are able, in whatever way they can.”

Not all the volunteers are firefighters. Others help with recruiting, finances, grant writing, social activities and other other administrative and support functions.

Why an open house?

“We got the idea for kick-starting our new recruitment drive with the open house from Mayor Liz Feld,” said Brian Payne, a former chief of the department and an active firefighter. In a post-election interview, Mayor Feld signaled an interest in launching a volunteer recruitment program. “The timing is perfect – there are so many new young families,” she told the Gazette. “The Fire Department shouldn’t have to do it on their own – it’s in everyone’s interest.” (See: Mayor-Elect Shifts From Campaign to Governance)

Why a family event? There are many single members, but “the majority of residents have family and we like to involve the volunteers’ families in much of what we do,” said Brian Payne, a father of four young children.

“Of course we are first and foremost an emergency service organization,” he stressed. “But second to that – we have lots of social functions where the members and their families come together.

“Good morale and good rapport is what drives a volunteer department.”

The department is also seeking to involve younger residents – teenagers between 14 and 18 can join as junior members. “In the past we’ve used a junior cadet program to teach age-appropriate, fire-related activities to the younger members,” said Mr. Payne. “They can then serve in support functions at fire scenes at a distance from the actual fire.”

The fire department will be continuing its drive with a print, outdoor and direct mail campaign designed pro bono by the advertisement agency Re:Think Group. The ads come with a fire-engine red background, black-dot illustration of a firefighter and gold-colored headlines. One reads, “It’s not what you make, it’s what you save.” Another says: “Memo to self: Do something rewarding.” James Offenhartz, a Larchmont resident created the ads with his co-creative director Keith Goldberg.

The posters are dramatic - and appear to be persuasive. Mr. Offenhartz is now thinking of joining the department and bringing along some friends, he said.

To let the LFD know you're coming or for any questions or comments about the event or the department, email: openhouse@lfdny.org

Front Page

Print This Page
Email this page