Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department

06/03/2026

Tick Season Is Here in Gerritsen Beach This Is Not New

As the weather gets warmer, ticks become more active across New York City, including here in Gerritsen Beach.

For newer residents who may be surprised by this: ticks are not new in our area. Gerritsen Beach has grass, brush, weeds, yards, parks, trails, marsh areas, pets, wildlife, and plenty of places where ticks can be picked up. This has been a known seasonal concern for years.

NYC DOHMH 2026 Health Advisory #14 reminds New Yorkers to take precautions during tick season. Ticks are most active in the spring, summer, and fall, and several types of ticks have been found in New York City. NYC reported nearly 3,000 Lyme disease cases in 2025, along with other tick-borne disease cases.

The point is not to panic. The point is to be aware.

Take basic precautions:

Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to see.

Tuck pants into socks and shirts into pants when walking through brush or tall grass.

Tie hair up or wear a hat.

Wear gloves when gardening.

Stay on trails when walking through parks or wooded areas.

Keep lawns and weeds trimmed.

Check yourself, children, and pets after being outside.

Use EPA-registered insect repellent such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

After being outdoors, check behind the knees, behind the ears, around the waist, in the hairline, between the legs, and in skin folds.

If you find an attached tick, remove it with fine-tipped tweezers. Do not use heat, nail polish, or petroleum jelly. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop fever, body aches, rash, or other symptoms after a tick bite.

More information:
https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/ticks.page

Be aware, take precautions, and do your tick checks.

06/01/2026

NOTICE: Phone Service Outage

Our emergency and non-emergency phone lines are currently down due to a service outage.

We are monitoring the situation and will provide an update when service is restored.

If you have an emergency, call 911 immediately.

Please do not rely on calling the firehouse directly until this issue is resolved.

04/29/2026

Spring is here. Summer is right behind it, and Gerrittsen Beach gets busier this time of year.

The Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department is looking for new members.

You do not need experience. We will help you get trained.

You can become an EMT, firefighter, dispatcher, or help support the department in other ways.

Training may be available at no cost to you, including EMT and firefighter classes.

Some members may also qualify for money back for their time and training.

This is a real way to get involved, learn useful skills, and help your neighborhood when it matters.

Take a look at what we do ⬇️
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xji_m9LDLmg

We have always been there. Be there with us.

22 likes, 4 comments. "Gerrittsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department | Volunteer Firemen's Association of the City of New York"

04/27/2026

Join us Saturday June 27th for our annual Raffle Night!

What better way to begin your 4th of July celebrations!
This year we are celebrating 250 years of America's independence!

Reserve your seats today!

04/13/2026

Gerritsen Avenue Traffic Safety Reminder

🚨 Did you know you must STOP for pedestrians in a marked crosswalk even without a traffic light?

Drivers are not consistently stopping at the enhanced crosswalks on Gerritsen Avenue, and that needs to change.

As the weather warms up and more people head to the soccer and fields, there is increased foot traffic at Devon, Everett, Gotham, Bartlett, Cyrus, and Lois.

These are enhanced crosswalks with no signals. Drivers must STOP for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Failure to stop can result in a summons, points on your license, and significant fines.

For drivers: Slow down when approaching these crossings. Watch for pedestrians stepping off the curb or already crossing. STOP for anyone in the crosswalk. Do not proceed until the crossing is clear and it is safe.

For pedestrians: Do not assume a driver sees you. Look for approaching vehicles before stepping out. Make eye contact when possible. Cross only when vehicles have stopped or the roadway is clear.

⚽ As activity at the fields increases, please remind your children to stay alert when crossing, and avoid double parking near the fields it creates dangerous blind spots.

Please slow down and stay alert.

NYPD 61st Precinct
GBPOA Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association
Gerritsen Beach Little League
All American Soccer

04/10/2026

Community Reminder

We appreciate the support and generosity of our community. We do want to remind everyone that the firehouse is not a general drop-off location for clothing, medical supplies, walkers, wheelchairs, stuffed animals, or similar items.

At times, the department may be able to accept certain items, but only if it has been arranged in advance. Please do not leave items outside the firehouse unless you have confirmed with us ahead of time.

Items left unattended cannot be accepted and will need to be discarded.

Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to support the department.

03/30/2026

🚑 Become a New York State Certified EMT – Right Here in Gerrittsen Beach

We’re excited to announce a full EMT Original Course being hosted at Gerrittsen Beach Fire Department this summer.

If you’ve ever thought about getting into EMS, this is your opportunity.

📅 Course Schedule:
Start: June 2, 2026
End: August 10, 2026

💻 Online Lectures (Live on Zoom):
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Choose daily:
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
or
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 In-Person Skills (At GBFD):
Sundays starting June 7
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

✅ What’s Included:
• EMT textbook
• CPR certification
• Student uniform shirt
• Full EMT equipment package (yours to keep)

💲 Not a member?
Tuition is $1,399 with a payment plan available.
EMS agency members using a voucher only pay a $300 administrative fee.

This is more than a class. It’s a pathway into EMS, public safety, and helping your community when it matters most.

👉 Register here:
https://auraprep.enrollware.com/enroll?id=12841361

Spots will fill quickly. If you’re interested, don’t wait.

Are you ready to start your career in Emergency Medical Services? This EMT Original Course, conducted by Rescue Training International (a NYS-approved Course Sponsor) at Gerrittsen Beach FD, gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed as a New York State Certified Emergency Medical...

03/29/2026

Another great day at the Gerritsen Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Thank you to everyone who came out, marched, watched, and supported another great community tradition. It was a great day for Gerritsen Beach and great to see so many people out along the avenue.

Congratulations to this year’s honorees, Grand Marshal Phil Parker, Irishman of the Year James Cappiello, and Irishwoman of the Year Kelly (Denver) Burke. Well deserved.

Thank you to the parade organizers, everyone who participated, and the community for continuing to support this event year after year.

Proud to be part of it. 🍀

01/28/2026

Get ready for a glamorous evening of mystery, intrigue and murder!

Join us for our first annual
Murder Mystery Dinner!

"Midnight at the Masquerade"
.. Trade clues... gather information and solve the crime before the masked assailant gets away!

Don't miss out on this fun night!

Reserve your seats today!