Floral Park Centre Fire Company ceasing operations after 100 years
Tolan said other departments in the area are willing to take the extra firefighters if they want to continue volunteering.
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Beginning in the New Year, Floral Park and nearby residents will no longer receive fire or emergency services by the 100-year-old Floral Park Centre Fire Company.
The fire company wrote a letter to residents Wednesday stating that due to several reasons, they would cease operations New Year's Eve at 11:59 p.m. The New Hyde Park Fire District and Nassau County Police Ambulance will now handle emergency services.
The company cited a lack volunteers to its choice, in addition to, "the prolonged failure of community members not joining the Company." The message also mentioned increased training requirements and costly equipment purchases mandated by state and federal agencies going into their determination.
"Putting all these factors into consideration, the decision was made that we could not continue to provide adequate services to our community/taxpayers," the company said in a statement. "We thank you for letting us provide you with 100 years of service."
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.”
Tolan said other departments in the area are willing to take the extra firefighters if they want to continue volunteering.
