Heights Looking For Firefighter Helpers

There may soon be a way for those who want to be part of the borough’s but can’t give enough of their time, to still play an important role.

The borough is in the early stages of creating an associate membership to the volunteer department.

Borough and fire officials briefly explained Tuesday night that  this membership would allow those who don’t have the time to fulfill the required hours or extensive training sessions, to still be able to assist at the fire house or with some light work when on a call.  

Fire Chief Richard Giarratana addressed questions from Susan Collins, a resident who was concerned about why so many volunteers have recently resigned from the department. She wanted to know if the department was still considered amply staffed.

Although the number of volunteers had dropped from about 52 down to roughly 36 firefighters and 3 EMS members, Giarratana said the department still has more than enough members to do the job.  Mayor Rose Heck pointed out that the department can get by with about 25 members.

Giarratana said the department lost some of those members because they were unable to put in the required amount of time, he said.

He said he always welcomes new volunteers, but realizes some have more than one job, children and activities to attend to and it can be hard to get members.

“We do the best we can,” he said.

If the borough moves ahead with the associate membership to the department, many of those who left may be able to come back to the department, Giarratana said

Those members would be able to help in house or on a scene helping set up the triage, or the rehab area, or even helping to move hoses, he said.  

“These are people who couldn’t put the time in but want to put the time in,” he said adding that they would not need to fulfill requirements. “They can still be there with the muscles and brains, which we really need,” said Giarratana.

According to the borough’s attorney Ralph Chandless, the ordinance is expected to be ready for introduction at an upcoming council meeting.

Have a question or news tip? Contact editor Alana Quartuccio at alana.quartuccio@patch.com, or follow Hasbrouck Heights Patch on Facebook or Twitter. For news straight to your inbox sign up for the daily newsletter.