Rockland officials contest petition by 'rogue fire brigade' to become certified department
Matzilei Aish, a non-certified fire response service, is asking Rockland residents in a petition to support its quest to be recognized by local authorities as a fire department, to be eligible for public funding and to access more training opportunities.
Rockland County officials and firefighters are uniting against — what they call — a "rogue fire brigade" that is seeking certification as a real fire department and trying to build support by circulating a petition.
Matzilei Aish, a non-certified fire response service, is asking Rockland residents in a petition to support its quest to be recognized by local authorities as a fire department, to be eligible for public funding, and to access more training opportunities.
The group, led by Rabbi Yechezkel Weiss, has been promoting its own emergency number and responding to calls in the Monsey area.
Rockland officials have warned that the group lacks training and equipment, and its actions have delayed responses from certified local departments.
Rockland County Executive Ed Day is now lobbying for stronger, clearer fire response laws.
In October, News 12 reported on Matzilei Aish's response to a carbon monoxide leak in Ramapo.
Fire officials said volunteers from the group told the residents of a multifamily home the leak was fixed, only for carbon monoxide levels to keep rising and for residents to later call the Monsey Fire Department who fully secured the situation.
"We've spoken to our state representatives to introduce legislation to clarify the missing problems here," Day said, "and that no, you cannot go out as a brigade and do firefighters' work.
Ramapo Police arrested one member of the group in November and charged him with obstructing firefighting operations.
Police said a Matzilei Aish member tried to use a local department's fire hose at a house fire in Kaser.
A Matzilei representative said the arrest was a "betrayal" because the fire department asked for help, and when a Matzilei Aish member stepped in, a "mishap" occurred, leading to the arrest.
"They're uneducated on how things work," Rockland County Fire Coordinator Chris Kear said of the group's approach. "From the very beginning, if they came out [to us] with the idea that they want to do this, we could have given them general guidance and direction. Listen. Join a local fire company.
"In an email Wednesday afternoon, the representative of Matzilei Aish said the brigade was started because any groups that serve — or are served by — the Orthodox Jewish community "must have a rabbinical board to oversee any religious matters that may arise.
"The email author said past discussions with fire officials about accommodating the group's religious values did not lead to resolution.
He also noted that residents should call 911 in emergency situations.
"We never discourage anyone from contacting 911," he wrote, "as it ensures the immediate dispatch of appropriate emergency resources. However, for those who wish to call us directly, we are available 24/7 to provide support as needed."
