01/03/2026
Unfortunately, 2026 starts with somber news, A small Long Island Volunteer Fire Department has ceased operations after serving their communities for 100 years. The reason the lack of volunteers, a problem that is being faced by all volunteer agencies nationwide.
This Excerpt says it all:
"Fire Chief Martin Tolan started working at this fire department in 2003. He says Floral Park is one of the smallest departments on Long Island, and they were 100% volunteer.
“If you know what time the call is coming in at, you can organize people to be there,” Tolan said. “It’s getting harder and harder to get members around and to be here when there is a call.”
Maureen Brady lives next door to the fire house. Her father was the fire chief at one time and her brother also volunteered.
“Back in the day, there were so many men and women in the neighborhood that volunteered,” Brady said. “I understand now why people don’t. They need to work two or three jobs just to make a living.”
Don't let any more agencies close.. VOLUNTEER TODAY!
https://longisland.news12.com/floral-park-centre-fire-company-ceasing-operations-after-100-years?fbclid=IwY2xjawPFc-xleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeABpY9FoOCNYcV13RgbftRpgsqlr3NWNVy7rkB7BBXd8j5nwIWA0hLLRGdhw_aem_o9F7dzU11a-x_Sppkspx-g
Tolan said other departments in the area are willing to take the extra firefighters if they want to continue volunteering.
