Glen Cove FD seeks volunteers amid enrollment lull

<p>Officials at the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department say enrollment is at an all-time low.</p>

News 12 Staff

Apr 20, 2018, 6:51 PM

Updated 2,198 days ago

Share:

Glen Cove FD seeks volunteers amid enrollment lull
Officials at the Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department say enrollment is at an all-time low.
The department’s full capacity is 140 volunteers. It currently has 95.
Capt. Justin Valeo told News 12 that he has been with this fire department for 14 years. He says the lack of volunteers can be attributed to the rising cost of living on Long Island.
“Unfortunately, the younger community work two, sometimes three jobs in order to be able to afford to live on the Island, really not giving them the time they need to dedicate to a fire service,” said Valeo.
Officials said there are incentives available to volunteer firefighters. The Firemen's Association of the State of New York offers up to a $1,000 tuition reimbursement per semester at SUNY community colleges for a max of 100 students a year.
The state also offers a $200 income tax credit for volunteers, and Nassau County gives volunteers a 10 percent property tax reduction.
Volunteer firefighters can also get free college tuition at Nassau Community College if they are active members. However, they must remain active for five years after completing their degrees.
Glen Cove also offers retirement benefits for volunteer firefighters depending on their length of service.
The department will host a recruitment event as part of the statewide RecruitNY on Sunday, April 22.


More from News 12
0:32
Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

Kingston man charged in barbershop stabbing

1:30
Sun and clouds before spotty evening showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley

Sun and clouds before spotty evening showers for Saturday in the Hudson Valley

0:29
MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

MTA outlines new details on congestion pricing, including start date

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:04
Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

Movie theater experience: A close look at the Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville

1:35
 White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

White Plains community memorializes impactful couple as part of 41st Arbor Day celebration

0:21
Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

Funeral held for Westchester correction officer killed in Scarsdale motorcycle crash

0:31
Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

Police: 18-year-old Washingtonville man with autism has gone missing

0:23
New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

New Korean-style fried chicken restaurant opens in Mahopac

2:16
New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

New Rochelle teacher receives birthday surprise from students, colleagues

1:23
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators rally in Irvington during President Biden's visits to Westchester

0:26
Hudson Valley communities receive bronze Climate Smart Certification

Hudson Valley communities receive bronze Climate Smart Certification

0:23
Rockland County sues New York state over when elections can be held

Rockland County sues New York state over when elections can be held

0:21
Greenwood Lake Board of Trustees appoints interim mayor

Greenwood Lake Board of Trustees appoints interim mayor

0:23
Police: 18-year-old facing charges in Walden shooting

Police: 18-year-old facing charges in Walden shooting

0:48
President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

President Biden announces future opening of upstate microchip factory

0:21
Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

Rockland County DA: Haverstraw man pleads guilty in sexual abuse of 2 children

0:51
Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

Indian Point oversight board, Holtec discuss decommissioning options of former nuclear plant

0:47
State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

State police: DNA sample from human remains found does not match profile of missing Putnam teen

0:31
New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers

New mural of Yonkers hip-hop legend Mary J. Blige unveiled at Palisade Towers