Monsey Fire District ends partnership with Brewer Fire Engine Company
New fire company created as district explores adding paid contracted firefighters.
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The Monsey Fire District is ending its relationship with the Brewer Fire Engine Company, bringing to a close the volunteer organization's history of serving Monsey since 1877.
Yossi Gestetner, public affairs officer for the Monsey Fire District, said the district has created a new Monsey Fire Rescue Company as part of an effort to meet increasing service demands.
"All active members are appreciated. Members who work collaboratively with the district, and with the community they serve, are appreciated. They are supported. They are loved. They are welcome to apply to the new company," Gestetner said.
According to Gestetner, the change is intended to help the district keep pace with approximately 1,400 emergency calls each year by adding paid personnel.
"To ensure that there is a full crew staffed 24/7, the district hopes to bring in contracted people to provide that on a contract basis. And then be backed up and supported by volunteers for the rest of the work," Gestetner said.
If implemented, the plan would bring the first paid firefighters to Rockland County.
Gestetner said $1.6 million has been allocated for the initiative in the district's 2027 budget.
He said the allocation represents an increase of about $80,000 to the overall budget compared with the current year's budget.
The proposed changes have generated community reaction.
An online petition supporting Brewer Fire Engine Company has collected a few hundred signatures.
A member of Brewer Fire Engine Company, speaking off camera, told News 12 that most of the company's firefighters do not plan to join the new fire company, and that some have already joined other fire departments in Rockland County.
The Monsey Fire District is scheduled to hold a public comment session regarding a proposal to bring in an outside provider on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 8 a.m. at their location at 381 Route 306 in Wesley Hills.
