Suffolk Recruiting Firefighters & EMS

YAPHANK, NY — Suffolk County is looking for firefighters and EMS.

The county has scheduled a recruitment event for 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Suffolk County Fire Academy, at 102 East Ave., Yaphank, Executive Steve Bellone announced.

The five-hour event will feature various vehicle demonstrations and on-site resources for potential future firefighters and emergency medical service members to become familiar with, including a live exercise that will simulate a train-vehicle incident and response. The Long Island Railroad, Brookhaven Fire Department and South County Ambulance will be participating in the demonstration.

“In Suffolk County, we are committed to ensuring that our volunteer fire and EMS agencies have the necessary resources to operate and protect our residents," Bellone said. "A key component of this includes recruitment. That is why our Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services continues to engage with our departments and communities to provide these important events. Last year’s inaugural event was a success as more than 125 residents signed up to become a first responder in their local community, and we look forward to achieving the same success this summer.”

Recruitment specialists from Suffolk County will be available to discuss the benefits available to potential first responders. Representatives from the Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing based in Westhampton Beach will also be recruiting.

“Recruitment and retention events continue to be essential for fire and EMS agencies as we need to continue to engage with our residents and educate those who are interested in becoming a first responder of all the tremendous benefits our local departments and volunteer organizations can provide,” Patrick Beckley, Suffolk County Fire Rescue Services commissioner, said. “This summer’s open house will both be interactive and educational, and we encourage residents of all ages to attend.”

There will also be a food drive at the event. Island Harvest will be accepting non-perishable goods, including canned vegetables, sauces and soups, pasta, beans, rice, personal care and toiletry items and feminine hygiene products.

Fire departments and attendees were all encouraged to participate and donate, the county wrote.

This summer’s open house event follows FRES’ first recruitment event in October 2021 where more than 125 prospective firefighters and EMS personnel signed up to become volunteer members of their local departments and agencies. The open house is part of Suffolk County’s approach to first responder recruitment, including the Vets to Vollies Program that launched in April 2022.

Candidates who are interested in becoming a first responder, but are not able to attend the recruitment event can visit the Suffolk website. All junior firefighters and educational groups are also invited to attend.

The Suffolk County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services (FRES) said it is committed to serving both the 1.5 million residents of Suffolk County and the more than 11,000 emergency responders who are dedicated to saving lives and protecting property.