WFD Welcomes New Members 

By Michael Contaxis

1st Asst. Chief WFD

  The WFD welcomed one returning firefighter, Brendan Donohue and three new members – Ethan Wixtrom, Raynor Santiago and Kuldip Singh.  We thank them for their commitment to residents of the Fire District and welcome them to the fire department.  

During the week, firefighters Angelina O’Neill, Brooke Ladka, Ethan Ladka and Travis Tomaselli completed the final portion of the NYS (BEFO) Basic Exterior Fire Operations Course at the Orange County Fire Training Center in New Hampton, NY. The firefighters are now scheduled to start the NYS (IFO) Interior Firefighter Operations Course in June. We are very proud of them all.  

Lieutenant Kevin Hughes recently completed the NYS Firefighter Survival Course and Past Captain Joseph Nuara is currently completing the NYS Drivers (EVOC) Emergency Vehicles Operations Course all at the Orange County Fire Training Center. 

WFD On Call 

The Warwick Fire Department (WFD) has responded to 150 calls for service to date. During the week, all four fire companies and the Warwick Fire Police completed vehicle apparatus truck checks and fleet maintenance. On Mon., May 24, the WFD held an Operations Drill in the parking lot of Warwick High School.  The WFD Training Committee set up training stations for the firefighters to complete tasks on self-contained breathing apparatus air from our Scott Pack Air Bottles that each firefighter wears on their backs.  A great job was done by all! Thank you to our training committee and to the Warwick Valley Central School District for the use of the facilities.  

Warwick Fire Prevention Team Report

The Warwick Fire Prevention Team report to teach Fire Prevention Through Education to Keep Warwick Fire Safe. With summers weekends right around the corner, brushing up on outdoor grilling safety can help ensure a fire-safe holiday weekend. NFPA reminds everyone to follows these key tips and recommendations:

  For propane grills, check the gas tank for leaks before use. Keep your grill clean by removing debris, grease, or fat buildup from the grills and in trays below the grill. Place the grill well away from the home, deck railings, and out from under eaves and overhanging branches. Always make sure your gas grill lid is open before lighting it. If you use starter fluid when charcoal grilling, only use charcoal starter fluid. Never add charcoal fluid or any other flammable liquids to the fire. When you have or are finished grilling, let the coals cool completely before disposing in a metal container. Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grilling area. Never leave your grill unattended when in use.

Join the Fire Department 

Those interested in joining the Warwick Fire Department, age 16 and older, call 986-3473; contact WFD via social media on Facebook or Instagram; email wfdmembership@yahoo.com; or stop by any firehouses any evening to speak with a Fire Officer about joining. The best evenings are Mondays after 6:30 p.m. or the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.